TWO resorts are among 12 coastal towns to receive government support to help boost their economies.

Brighton and Hove and Eastbourne were selected as the “pioneering teams” in the South East for the launch of a new Government scheme.

Both councils will receive £10,000 each to kick-start the work and will be able to bid for a share of a new £3 million coastal revival fund.

In Brighton and Hove, the project will aim to bring “public, private and business expertise” to support the city council in developing a new Seafront Investment Plan.

In Eastbourne the team will build on the “significant momentum” behind regeneration of the town, according to Department of Local Government and Communities’ officials.

The town and city were selected after showing initial interest, with other locations also being invited to apply.

The coastal scheme is modelled on the high streets town teams which were integral to the renaissance of Brighton’s London Road.

Minister for coastal communities Penny Mordaunt said: “These coastal teams will be crucial in driving forward ideas, harnessing local expertise and tapping into new business opportunities which will benefit the entire community.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: “We very much welcome this new funding and are delighted to be right at the forefront nationally of this initiative.

“Our approach with this funding will be to engage with local businesses and other interested parties to develop a mutually supportive investment plan that will help drive further improvements to our seafront that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike.”