SURFERS and seaside holidaymakers will soon be able to enjoy a range of facilities housed in a eye-catching £600,000 building at Saltburn.

Catering and retail businesses, perhaps looking for young customers and a sea view, are sought for the new foreshore complex.

Redcar and Cleveland Council and Saltburn Improvement Company were behind the scheme. It was designed by Newcastle architects Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall Ltd.

Surfing has become increasingly popular regionally and nationally. The rising waves, known as white horses among surfers, are said to be very good at Saltburn.

The landmark building includes changing facilities for surfers, two retail units, a caf, restaurant area, and meeting room.

The development has been funded with support from the European Regional Development Fund, Northumbrian Water, One North-East.

Peter Lane, assistant director of leisure services at Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "We are expecting a great deal of interest in the building and would hope that we could organise approval for prospective tenants by September or October.

"It must be emphasised that although the building is complete, it's still empty. But it's looking superb and we're delighted with what is sure to be a very popular facility."

The complex has good access to the lower promenade near Saltburn's historic pier and is envisaged to become a major visitor attraction.

An official opening is planned at the start of next year's holiday season. If northern beach boys and girls continue to take up surfing, the Saltburn scene will expand further and perhaps even give Cornwall a run for its money.