"The concept of Amble becoming another Padstow is not new to us, it's something we have been looking at for a number of years," said David Milburn, executive for Amble Development Trust.

"We have commissioned numerous reports looking at how can deliver that concept, and the issue has always been one of accessing the right resources and partnerships.

"Back in 2005 we had a major consultation on developing the waterfront which, for a number of reasons, didn't come to fruition but Amble still has many of the attributes that Padstow has.

"We have been following a similar line of regeneration based on local produce and tourism.

"We can eat all our view, from the land and the sea, which is an enormous asset.

"Certainly, Amble has the attributes to develop into a key destination for Northumberland, and we have long believed that the future of the town will be based on tourism and the natural environment."