PLANS have been unveiled to transform a coal mining town into a prime North-East seaside resort.

Almost 20 years ago the last of three pits in Seaham, County Durham, closed, leaving beaches blighted by debris of more 150 years of coal mining, and a severely depressed local economy.

But millions of pounds have been pumped into the town since then and the Turning the Tide project restored the coastline to form the Durham Heritage Coast.

Now tourism chiefs hope to create the county’s version of Skegness.

At the town’s hub will be Seaham Harbour – featuring a marina with luxury yachts, heritage centre, an activity base and cafes and restaurants, with views along the sweeping coastline.

Seaham’s new destination development plan was launched to an audience of more than 100 business people, councillors and tourism professionals at Seaham Hall yesterday.

County Durham Tourism Partnership chief executive Melanie Sensicle said: “This is a hugely important day for Seaham’s business community and residents and the start of an exciting journey designed to unlock the town’s unrealised potential for tourism.

“What we have done is bring in the services of a tourism consultant to work with local businesses, Durham County Council, and Seaham Town Council to identify its unique selling points and to produce a vision for how the town can develop into a thriving harbour town for visitors.”

She added: “We do not have a seaside resort in County Durham. Seaham will be to the county, what Skegness is to Lincolnshire – a small town on the coast extremely extremely popular with tourists.”

Norman Conn, development officer for Seaham’s North Dock, said: “Building on the marina starts on Monday.

“We will be installing pontoons for 80 moorings, as well as new dock gates and refurbishing the slipway.

The marina will be become a visitor attraction in itself.”

A bustling market selling fresh fish is proposed at the £3.2m marina.

The North Pier will be opened to visitors and there were be a calendar of annual events, including a deep-sea angling contest.

There will also be literary festival celebrating the town’s links to the famous poet, Lord Byron.

Heritage Coast officer for Durham County Council, Niall Benson, said: “The production of this plan is a major milestone for Seaham town and the Durham Heritage coastline.

“Tourism has the potential to play a major role in regenerating Seaham’s economic prospects and can provide a stimulus for job creation and civic pride.”