AN unusual bestseller is flying off the shelves at coastal bookshops - because visitors cannot get enough of a new £33.6 million defence scheme.

Scarborough Council launched a print run of 5,000 copies of a booklet explaining all about the town's massive coastal defence project. Although it was only printed a few weeks ago, thousands of the booklets have already been given out and officials are considering ordering a second print run.

Councillor Godfrey Allanson said he was pleased the booklet was proving popular as the defences become a tourist attraction in their own right. He said: "We thought it would be a good idea to have a booklet as so many people were asking for more information on the scheme. Local people, and especially visitors, are fascinated to see the scale of the work being undertaken to protect Scarborough's vulnerable coastline."

Updated: 08:51 Friday, June 13, 2003