FURTHER details have been revealed about a £700,000 scheme to restore a beautiful stretch of County Durham coastline.

The ten-month project at Crimdon Park and Dene promises to enhance the area's rich variety of wildlife and its visitor facilities.

Last week, it was announced that thousands of pounds would be spent in the resort, which was once a popular holiday destination.

Durham Heritage Coast yesterday outlined some of its plans.

Alongside the creation of a new footpath network, the demolition of redundant and derelict buildings and the grassing of the car park, there are proposals for visitor facilities including seating, meeting areas and locally inspired artworks.

As construction progresses, archaeologists will regularly survey the site to ensure any finds such as Neolithic flint tools are recorded and preserved.

After the peak of its popularity in the 50s and 60s, Crimdon has fallen into dereliction.

Work will begin to breathe new life into the resort with the demolition of the 6.5 acre car park.

Tarmac and shale will be removed and recycled to allow for future landscaping on site.

Easington District Councillor George Patterson said: "The sub material from this vast car park is colliery shale, which was the waste product from local pits. It seems fitting that it will remain part of this landscape and will now help to create an attractive environment."

Sarah Curran, Durham Heritage Coast officer said: "Crimdon is a very significant site as it forms the southern gateway to the Heritage Coast.

"Although infrastructure work is now under way, community involvement is vital to the project's success and we will be encouraging local residents to become involved in the Crimdon project.

She added: "This is the next stage in transforming this magnificent coastline and follows the £10m Turning the Tide Initiative, which removed thousands of tonnes of colliery spoil to help return the beaches to their natural state.

"During this regeneration work all rights of access will be maintained and we will be erecting information panels to explain what is happening for the benefit of visitors."