Around 70 coastal projects have been awarded a total of £36m by the Government as part of an effort to attract tourists and create jobs.

The funding will go towards supporting businesses, protecting historic buildings, new museums and restoration of coastal heritage sites.

This investment represents 26 awards from the fifth round of the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund. These awards are forecast to create over 15,000 jobs, and attract up to £40m in additional investment from public and private sector sources.

The funding also comes from 44 awards from the third phase of the Coastal Revival Fund in 2018-19.

‘I am determined to support investment and development of our coastal communities and create an economy that works for everyone as we prepare for Brexit and beyond,’ said communities secretary James Brokenshire.

‘All of the ambitious projects receiving funding today were designed and developed by local people who know what will make the biggest difference to their areas.

‘The sheer range of ideas demonstrate the potential of our coastal communities and will all create good jobs, boost growth and improve people’s lives now and in the future.’

This latest round of funding comes on top of over £180m from both the Coastal Communities Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund that has been invested in more than 350 projects so far.

Coastal communities minister Jake Berry commented: ‘This is an investment in the future of our coastal communities which builds on their rich heritage and huge potential.

‘The world-class attractions and innovative businesses supported by the Coastal Communities Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund will increase tourism, encourage investment and ensure people thrive up and down the Great British Coast.’