A NORTH Yorkshire seaside town has scooped gold after being named as England's most improved resort.

Scarborough beat off stiff competition from all over the country to land the trophy in the Excellence in England Awards at a ceremony in London yesterday.

Local councillor David Jeffels, cabinet member for tourism and leisure, collected the winner's trophy from Tourism Minister, Kim Howells.

Coun Jeffels said: "This is fantastic news for Scarborough. It comes at the best possible time, at the start of the summer season and sends out the message that Scarborough is the place to be.

"How fitting that on St George's Day, England's first seaside resort - Scarborough - should win this gold award in the Excellence in England event."

The chief executive of Scarborough Borough Council, John Trebble, added: "This award reflects the hard work put in by the Council and its partners in the industry in improving our resort.

"Scarborough is making great progress and the award recognises the work that has gone in on projects like the sea front, St Nicholas Gardens and in our parks and gardens."

Council leader Coun Eileen Bosomworth said: "This is wonderful news for Scarborough and is a great platform on which to build a better future for the resort.

Scarborough beat off the challenge of two southern resorts in the final three Weymouth and Hastings.

Updated: 09:15 Wednesday, April 24, 2002