A scheme is under way to help more boat owners to enjoy the delights of the North Yorkshire coast.

Pontoons are to be installed in Scarborough's inner harbour, providing 60 permanent floating berths and additional space for visiting boats, with dredging set to take place next month.

As well as increasing the harbour's capacity for leisure craft, the scheme should improve facilities for boat owners.

"Scarborough Harbour is at the heart of the town and this project is vital to developing the area to benefit both local people and visitors alike," said council leader Eileen Bosomworth.

"The harbour is already an extremely popular location for boat owners and there is a healthy waiting list for existing berths.

"The new pontoons will provide much needed additional mooring capacity and enable more people to visit or base themselves in the town."

Project leaders worked closely with Scarborough Yacht Club to ensure the project meets both the needs of local people and visitors.

The £500,000 project, due to be completed in the summer, is being funded principally by Scarborough Borough Council and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward. It forms part of a wider urban renaissance scheme to transform the harbour and surrounding area.