A TOP-level bid to revive the fortunes of North Yorkshire's east coast resorts is being launched by a Government Minister.

Tourism Minister Janet Anderson is to visit Scarborough and Whitby on Wednesday as part of a fact-finding tour to revive the traditional English seaside resort.

She will also go to Blackpool, Great Yarmouth, Minehead and Newquay over the next five days.

Welcoming the visit, Scarborough and Whitby Labour MP Lawrie Quinn said: "I'm hoping she may be able to be in a position to make a very good, long-awaited announcement about some extra money for the hard-pressed tourism industry."

Mr Quinn added: "It's an important series of visits that Janet is making.

"Scarborough is one of the key English seaside resorts and it would have been strange if she hadn't come here. But obviously the fact that I have been able to get some time out of her to visit Whitby as well is very much appreciated."

The Minister said seaside resorts needed to recognise the changing needs of tourists.

"Competition within the UK and abroad is growing, and the expectations of tourists are changing, especially as the Internet opens up a new world of information and services to tourists."

"But towns can also help themselves by developing niche markets such as film, heritage and business tourism, offering quality accommodation and using the Internet to turn virtual visitors into tomorrow's tourists, she said.

PICTURE: Scarborough: one of the key English seaside resorts"