WIRRAL council's cabinet has approved a £200,000 funding package for coastal regeneration projects in Hoylake, West Kirby and New Brighton.

The money, announced in January, was made available to the council as part of a £5m Government scheme supporting economic development in seaside areas.

Groups in those areas were invited to come up with ideas for projects that addressed a range of issues.

Their bids were considered by cabinet on Thursday night.

Among the projects receiving funding in Hoylake is the Festival of Firsts, an arts event that will be held in the town in July.

It has been allocated £5,000, which will be used to pay for start-up costs.

A project to transform the town's former Lifeboat station into a museum has been awarded £30,000.

Also getting a £16,610 share is a scheme installation new equipment in Grove Park and £30,890 for the renovation of Meols Parade Gardens.

In West Kirby, £17,500 will be used for a Hoylake, West Kirby and District Civic Society project to develop the wider use of the sailing centre, with the aim of developing skills by providing training for the leisure and tourism industry. The money will also be used to fund the appointment of a part-time project development officer.

In New Brighton A £10,650 venture to restore the vandalised tidal pool has been ranked number one in a list of projects earmarked to benefit.

Receiving £16,000 is programme of summer events at the resort in the form of a series of seaside street entertainment such as Punch and Judy, face painting and stilt walking; complemented by a high quality promotional leaflet highlighting business, community and charitable events during the year.

Wallasey Yacht Club initiative – Get Your Feet Wet – will get 23,400 to promote New Brighton as a key venue for water sports and family orientated leisure activities.

Funding will also be provided for the creation of a dedicated website for the town; environmental improvements to smarten up the shopping area with planting and hanging baskets, the creation of a heritage and information centre to include displays and films featuring local history and a “tourist” map of the town.