Funding for restoration work on Whitby's West Pier Lighthouse has been secured following the announcement of a £3 million government funding scheme.
One of 77 projects to benefit from the £3 million including Blackpools iconic winter garden and Shoalstone Pool, in Brixham, the Coastal Revival funding will help secure the future of key seaside attractions.
Ranging from theatres to piers and lidos to lighthouses, the projects will each receive grants of up to £50,000 to kick-start restoration work.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: With its fascinating history and rich cultural heritage, it is easy to see why Whitby is so well-loved, by residents and visitors alike. The West Pier Lighthouse is one of Whitbys most iconic landmarks and it is absolutely fantastic news that, with this £50,000 of funding, we will see it open to the public once again. This beacon of the town is getting the investment it deserves.
With a total £3m pledged for coastal projects today, it is clear we have an optimistic and ambitious approach to Britains seaside towns. We are providing a catalyst for further investment and securing treasured community assets for generations to come.
They are also set to attract £30million in private and public investment and could support up to 1,500 jobs.
Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said this Coastal Revival funding will help secure these key seaside attractions for generations to come.
He said: From Berwick to St Ives, our coastal communities boast some iconic attractions, with millions visiting them each year.
But some of our best-loved buildings are falling into a state of disrepair - the £3million Coastal Revival Fund aims to restore them to their former glory.
This funding will now kick-start the restoration work for these 77 projects across the country, so they can continue to be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike for generations to come."
The Government is committed to reviving our seaside towns, so they can diversify their economy, attract investment and secure their long-term future.
Since 2012, over £120 million has been invested in coastal towns through the Coastal Communities Fund, which is helping local people regenerate cherished seaside areas.
Earlier this year, the Government announced 118 Coastal Community Teams, to encourage local businesses, councils and voluntary groups to work together to create a long-term strategy for their community.
Todays £3million Coastal Revival Fund forms part of these wider efforts, and will help communities to start the work to bring back into use buildings which have suffered years of disrepair.
Whitby Gazette