FISHERMEN at County Durham's last fishing port have found a way of keeping afloat after fears that development plans could threaten their livelihoods.

Those remaining at Seaham have formed a co-operative with the support of Business Link County Durham's community enterprise team.

The fishermen were concerned that they had a limited voice as individuals when faced with proposed developments for their dock.

The plans included demolishing the existing entrance to the north harbour and moving it to the south end.

The dock offices would also be pulled down to make way for housing, retail and office developments.

The fishermen feared the changes could lead to the loss of their livelihood and 25 jobs.

But the enterprise team helped the group to set up a co-operative to protect their livelihoods.

It also helped with the legal framework, sourcing grants and funding and provided information about a neighbourhood renewal budget from regeneration funding available through the East Durham Development Agency (Edda).

Co-op spokesman Tommy Smith said: "We have struggled on our own for many years, it's about time we got ourselves together and worked together for the good of us all.

"We have had some great help from John Probert and Mike Berriman of Business Link County Durham's community enterprise team, as well as Richard Foskett of Edda. They were champion!"

There have been fishermen in Seaham for nearly 200 years. At its peak more than 50 boats operated from Seaham harbour. Now just eight boats operate out of the north harbour.