The Yorkshire coast's economy is in line for a major boost, with the prospect of more than £5m from Europe.

Development plans drawn up for Scarborough and Filey envisage a potential £2.82m being allocated to the resorts, and £2.28m for the Whitby area - to help create a total of 600 jobs.

But John Trebble, Scarborough Borough Council's chief executive, said the money was dependent on match-funding from the public and private sectors over the next three years.

He said the council would need to sell land and property assets to realise its targets.

The aid would come from the European Union's Objective 2 regional funding scheme to boost job skills, enhance investment and economic growth, reduce deprivation, improve the competitive performance of businesses, and stimulate a stronger business dynamism.

Among the aims are the diversification of the area's economy, revitalising the tourist industry, improving workforce skills, better road links, and promoting the area's image.

Investment in the conference market is essential, including providing better facilities at Scarborough's Spa complex.

The redevelopment of the former Butlin's holiday centre, at Filey, is also needed.

At Whitby, linked information technology centres are needed, along with rural workshops and community enterprise centres.

A range of agencies is involved including council, Government agencies, Yorkshire Rural Community Council, the North Yorkshire Partnership Unit, and the Yorkshire Tourist Board.