Guisborough has won an opportunity to pilot a pioneering regeneration scheme for market towns.

It has been chosen as one of six to test a scheme that could bring in millions of pounds to the region.

A meeting has already been held to help Guisborough get ahead of the game in the Market Towns Initiative in the North-East.

The results of a check will be used to draw up a list of ten to 12 market towns that will take part in a regional scheme.

Other places in East Cleveland are also earmarked for a study on reviving market towns. Skelton, Brotton, Saltburn and Loftus join Guisborough in being chosen for research on towns performing a service function.

Another meeting is planned with interested parties in Guisborough, such as the borough and town councils, Guisborough Town Pride, the business association and North York Moors national park. The public will be involved further down the line.

But early indications suggest a co-ordinator will be appointed and projects funded on such matters as transport or community activities.

The campaign is spearheaded by the Countryside Agency in partnership with regional development agency One NorthEast.

Guisborough town Coun Keith Pudney was at the initial meeting.

He told last week's council meeting that the "health-check" would be followed by development of an action plan.

Coun Dave Punshon said: "This whole area has suffered from a total lack of vision and, as town council, we have to act as a catalyst. We can provide a platform for the various parties involved."

Business association chairman, Mr Stan Frank, was also at the meeting.

"It could be a great initiative for the town," he said. "We will find out where we need to go and how this can be done."

The Countryside Agency's North-East director, Mr Keith Buchanan, said: "There are more than 1,000 market towns in England. All are centres for the local rural economy, but many are in decline and are suffering.

"Our goal is to bring a new lease of life to market towns so they can provide access to the services that surrounding rural communities depend on - retail and professional services, training and jobs, leisure and cultural opportunities."

A spokesman for One NorthEast said: "This is quite a coup for Guisborough. The town will test a series of indicators to determine what kind of activity is needed for regeneration."

On Tuesday, Redcar and Cleveland councillors will consider the initiative.

Council leader, Coun David Walsh, said he was determined to ensure the small East Cleveland towns benefited from the cash for market towns announced in the Rural White Paper.

"The news that our towns will be part of the study is useful and desirable," he said. "These studies will put us in a better position to bid for regeneration funds in the future.