BOAT tours exploring Falmouth's historic docks have moved a step closer after a major chunk of cash towards the project was confirmed.

Falmouth and Truro MP Sarah Newton has welcomed the £110,000 grant towards introducing heritage boat tours.

The Coastal Communities Minister Jake Berry has announced the Coastal Community Fund Round 5 fast track grant awards for England.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall Trust in Falmouth was awarded the grant towards the £223,200 project for the boat tours with trained guides to highlight the area’s maritime history and wildlife.

The funding will help increase visitor numbers, create jobs and volunteering opportunities and support maritime businesses.

Sarah said: “Falmouth Harbour has a rich maritime heritage and I’m pleased this new funding means more local people and visitors can get on the water and explore our extraordinary natural and historical environment.”

Mr Berry added: “It’s really exciting to see money from the Coastal Communities Fund helping to kick start the National Maritime Museum Cornwall Trust project, which will help unlock some of the barriers to development and growth in the local community.

“Investment in our seaside areas, through projects such as these, will provide nothing short of a New Deal for the Great British coast creating thousands of jobs, training places and opportunities along the shore.”

The project is one of 16 Coastal Community Fund fast track applications in England to receive a grant under Round 5. Collectively, the projects are forecast to deliver more than 1,100 jobs and attract £2.45m in additional public and private sector funding.