Resort joins the contest to be named a pilot town and win cash to revitalise its shopping centre

SEATON is bidding to become a Portas Pilot - and grab a share of �1million.

It is hoping to become one of 12 communities across the country which will receive major funding to breathe new life into their shopping centres.

The Government put up the cash after retail guru Mary Portas recently reported on the things that were needed to help revitalise towns across the nation

These include setting up a town team of businesses, local groups and councils to help build vitality through a series of ideas.

A spokesman for Seaton Town Council told The Herald they hoped to be one of the dozen lucky towns to receive a share of the cash.

He said: “Seaton is looking to set up a town team and one its first tasks will be to pursue a bid to become a ‘Portas Pilot’ and take a share of this money.”