AN attempt is being made to widen the appeal of a seaside town in the tourism stakes.

Bucket-and-spade resort, Redcar, is hoping to attract visitors who like history.

About 10,000 leaflets are being printed to promote a 90-minute history town trail of the east Cleveland town, featuring 20 points of interest.

The "must sees" include the Redcar coat of arms, which are on the Coatham Enclosure wall, bearing the motto, Mare et Ferro - translated to sea and iron - and Redcar Cricket Club's field, the oldest in Yorkshire, opened in 1850.

Then there is St Peter's Church, whose distinctive turrets were used as a landmark for fishermen.

The guide book's text and illustrations are the work of Saltburn artist Jo Faulkner, helped by the town's historian, Vera Robinson.

The publication, funded from the West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget's Redcar Renaissance budget, is a shorter version of Mrs Robinson's original two and a half hour trail around the town.

Tourism training co-ordinator Tracy Burns said: "We're delighted with the leaflet and feel sure it will prove extremely popular."

Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "We're very grateful for Vera's contribution in helping to compile the leaflet, which we hope will be one of several positive tourism initiatives we can promote over the coming months."

Copies of the leaflet are available in the council's main office reception areas, the borough's libraries and Tourist Information Centres. It can also be ordered online, through the council's website: www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk