A REVOLUTIONARY approach to the regeneration of town centres is to focus on a North-East coastal town.

First launched in 2003, and supported by the Prince of Wales and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, the Civitas exhibition is now touring the English regions.

Sponsored by One NorthEast, English Partnerships and the Government Office North East, in partnership with the Prince's Foundation, an exhibition and master classes will outline ideas on creating mixed use, walkable neighbourhoods.

Seaham has been selected as an example of the difficulties facing small towns throughout the region. In the spotlight will be the current regeneration of the town's docks and its former pit workings.

A spokesman for the Foundation said: "The town centre of Seaham faces growth challenges, and needs better defined space and a more distinctive sense of place.''

To focus on these challenges, members from the development industry, public sector and design professionals have been invited to a reception at Gateshead Civic Centre on Tuesday and a training workshop on March 23 and 24.

An exhibition entitled The Civitas Roadshow, also at Gateshead Civic Centre, will be open to the public from Saturday to Wednesday, March 30, from 9am to 5pm.

One NorthEast director of regeneration and tourism John Holmes said: "Creating suitable, vibrant communities by improving buildings and people's surroundings is one of the agency's key aspirations.

"The North-East has seen a great deal of urban and rural regeneration, it is up to us to make sure this good work continues.''