HARWICH has been given a major tourism boost thanks to the awarding of Coastal Community Team status by the Government.

The Department of Communities and Local Government recognition comes with an initial £10,000 grant to support the work of the new team.

Harwich is one of a small number of towns throughout the country to receive the status and the aim is to build up and support the town’s tourism economy and boost visitors numbers.

Paul Milsom, from Milsom Hotel Group, who is chairman of the Harwich and Dovercourt Tourism Group, said the announcement is a great start to 2017.

“This is a valuable boost for what we are trying to achieve and is definitely recognition from the Government and backing for what we are working on to improve the visitor offer,” he said.

“We believe that Harwich and Dovercourt is a wonderful place to visit and this is another very positive step forward for the group.

“The group will now be putting together an economic plan to establish the key areas we are looking to build on to support our tourism economy.”

The bid for the Coastal Community Team was made by Tendring Council and follo ws on from Jaywick gaining the status in 2015.

Neil Stock, leader of Tendring Council, said: “This status has been vital for Jaywick Sands and has made a huge difference to our plans and aspirations there.

“Now to have Coastal Community Team for Harwich is a real boost for the town, its businesses and residents and will help the tourism economy to thrive.

"I welcome this announcement with open arms and look forward to the benefits it will bring, setting up new opportunities for Harwich.”