by Martin Jefferies

An extra £200,000 is to be spent on creating jobs in Margate and Ramsgate as part of a government investment in seaside resorts.

The towns are among 25 areas across the UK that will benefit from a £5 million fund to boost employment, businesses and skills and improve housing standards.

The government's Sea Change programme, which has already invested £38 million in regeneration projects, including £3 million to create the world's first heritage amusement park at Dreamland, Margate, will also be extended beyond 2011.

The Communities Secretary John Denham, who announced the move during a visit to Hastings, said: "Our coastal areas are rich with history and a high quality of life that makes them attractive places to live in and many seafronts have been transformed in recent years with our help.

"This new strategy will help areas like Thanet take advantage of the new opportunities and support available - from restoring piers and creating jobs to improving local housing and funding creative projects that will develop stronger economies and help ensure a successful future for the British seaside."

Dr Stephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet, welcomed the investment and hinted that a bid for Sea Change funding could be made to restore the derelict Royal Victoria Pavilion on Harbour Parade, Ramsgate.

He said: "We were awarded £3 million towards Dreamland and we could secure a substantial contribution for the Pavilion, given the right project.

"I've already spoken to the Tourism Minister, Margaret Hodge, and I know she would welcome a bid from us."

Today's announcement by Mr Denham also includes plans for new offshore wind farm licences, which could be worth around £75 billion to the UK economy and create up to 70,000 jobs.

Thanet is already benefiting from investment in two such projects, with work under way on the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm, 12 kilometres off Foreness Point, and construction due to start next year on the London Array, located in the Thames Estuary.