Some of the most spectacular scenery in the region could be in danger of collapse - unless millions are invested in safeguarding it for the future.

A study by engineers has revealed that more than £34m needs to be spent on the imposing coastal cliffs at Scarborough. Pressure from the sea and the instability of the cliffs could cause a "major structural failure," according to the resort's head of engineering, John Riby.

In a report to the borough council's cabinet he said the problems posed "a consequential risk to cliff top properties, coastal defences and public safety."

The height of many of the seawalls are also causing concern as they could be insufficient to prevent severe wave "overtopping" and flooding which could also put the public at risk.

"These problems will be compounded by the predicted effects of climate change and sea level rise," warned Mr Riby.

He said there would be greater wave loading on the defences, increased wave overtopping problems, and an increase in the risk of cliff instability in the targeted area between Holbeck and Scalby Mills.

The news comes as work on the £40m sea defence work at the resort's Royal Albert and Marine Drives has just been completed.

That involved shipping thousands of tonnes of rock across the North Sea from Norway to safeguard the seawall around the roadways which link the North and South Bays.

However other coastal defences are also showing signs of ageing and distress.

"They will not provide an adequate level of protection over the next 50 to 60 years," said Mr Riby.

"Some of the defence structures are more than 100-years-old and in need of major improvements and investment."

In addition work is also likely on the 750-year-old harbour over the next 20 to 30 years.

A three-month public consultation is to be carried out on proposals which have been put forward to restore the defences by top international marine experts High-Point Rendell.

Some of the work involves slope stabilisation of the cliffs at South Cliff Gardens, Italian Rose Gardens, South Bay Pool, Holbeck Gardens, the Spa, Foreshore, and North Bay cliffs.

Priority schemes are the cliffs at the Spa, South Cliff Gardens, Sea Life Centre and the Spa approach road.

Defra has given the council a grant of £87,000 to fund consultants' and specialist fees and it is likely it will also provide 75 per cent of the funding for the entire scheme.

*Twelve years ago the instability of the cliffs was graphically illustrated when the four-star Holbeck Hall Hotel slowly collapsed into the sea at Scarborough over a period of several days.