A North-East fairground has been earmarked for redevelopment.

Since 1904, generations of holidaymakers and daytrippers have flocked to the Spanish City, in Whitley Bay, which has even inspired rock songs.

Last night, North Tyneside Borough Council was expected to agree to buy the fairground for about £2.5m.

The council was negotiating a deal with Jersey owner Gary Dobson, which would pave the way for the attraction's demolition, and a multi-million pound redevelopment of the town centre.

With the land in the council's hands, it will begin a fresh round of public consultations on two alternative schemes, which could see nearby Whitley Park upgraded, and the building of a theatre, leisure pool, housing, and a link road to the seafront.

Alan Hildrew, of North Tyneside Library Service's Local Studies Centre, said: "The people of Whitley Bay will not really want to see Spanish City go because it has been here for so long. But they would acknowledge that it is well past its day, and Whitley Bay as a seaside resort is non-existent."