A COASTAL stretch in Redcar could become a new tourist attraction after scooping a £10,000 Government grant to boost employment.

Coatham, in east Cleveland, is one of 12 shorelines from Penzance to North Tyneside taking part in a groundbreaking project.

Teams of locals are coming together to revitalise their area and help it create new businesses.

Coastal communities Minister Penny Mordaunt said that for the first time local people, councils and businesses would work together to tackle challenges and develop a strategy for success.

“These coastal teams will be crucial in driving forward ideas, harnessing local expertise and tapping into new business opportunities which will benefit the entire community," she said. "This includes taking advantage of our new heritage revival fund to boost neglected coastal assets and attract private investment."

The pilot schemes will also be able to bid for a share of the new £3m coastal revival fund to support or restore local heritage and facilities.

Councillor Mary Lanigan, leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: "This funding is fantastic news for Coatham and will allow us to explore the potential of new development projects that will boost employment and assist in creating new business opportunities.

"Our tourism economy has the potential of further growth and a cash injection to support coastal communities such as Coatham is vital to help continue the fantastic regeneration work that has already taken place in Redcar.”

The Coastal Communities Fund was created in 2012 to invest in seaside towns to help them achieve their economic potential, reduce unemployment and create new opportunities for young people in their local area.

Nicola Radford, from the Coastal Communities Alliance, said: “This is excellent news and the alliance is delighted to play a key role in leading the Coastal Community Teams programme. This programme recognises the important role local communities play in attracting visitors and investment to coastal areas.

“I look forward to seeing the innovative ideas and successful initiatives that will arise from the creation of these teams.”

Other coastal communities taking part include North Shields Fish Quay, Blackpool, Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Felixstowe, Hull, Ipswich, Jaywick, Lincolnshire, Lowestoft and Penzance.