GOVERNMENT tourism minister Janet Anderson says Morecambe is the model other seaside resorts must follow if they are to become successful.

Ms Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, says the town's recent redevelopments provide a template for other resorts needing a boost.

The comments came as Ms Anderson launched a whistlestop tour of seaside resorts in Blackpool on Sunday.

Mrs Anderson said: "We have to be looking at reasons why people are not coming to places like Blackpool.

"What some of the resorts need to do is take a look at themselves, like Morecambe has done, and take the decision to knock down some areas and start again."

And the announcement came only a week after traders and hoteliers poured scorn on tourism bosses' claims that this was set to be a record summer for the town.

The popular Bubbles swimming complex remains closed while theme park Frontierland is being scaled down.

But tourism chiefs have hailed the Minister's announcement as a sign that they are on the right track.

Cllr June Ashworth, chairman of the city council's tourism committee, said the council had already been approached by other resorts interested in the town's regeneration.

She said: "I think for Janet Anderson to make that comment is brilliant. It really does mean Morecambe is looking forward.

"I've been to a lot of seminars on tourism and Morecambe is one of the most talked about resorts at the moment.

"I am sorry that Bubbles is closed, as I would prefer it to be open this year and I realise it is hitting traders and hoteliers in the West End.

"But, mostly, we've done really well."

Meanwhile, Morecambe could also benefit from Government plans to plough national lottery takings into derelict seaside resorts.

The decision to pump extra cash into tourist towns was also announced this week.