COASTAL communities throughout Dorset are celebrating a financial boost after being awarded a slice of £3 million funding.

A total of seven projects will receive £214,650 split between them from the Government’s Coastal Revival Fund.

It is part of the Government’s drive to improve the coastal areas of the United Kingdom and give funding to communities wanting to rejuvenate their towns.

On Portland, £50,000 has been donated to Portland CCT to help reinvorgate West Weares and Chesil Cove.

The Chesil Bank Parish Council has been awarded £10,000 for the restoration of the Old Fleet Church Wall and in Charmouth, £1,850 has been given to establish a National Coastwatch Institution on the coast.

In Lyme Regis, the Marine Theatre will be given £39,000 to replace the dilapidated roof, The Hub will be given £10,000 to repair the building and the Town Mill Trust will be given £8,800 to conduct a report on possible expansion of the complex.

In Seatown, £11,000 will be granted so that work can begin to develop a regeneration scheme to improve access to the Jurassic Coast for visitors.

In Wareham, the town council has been given £45,000 for the Mill Lane Revival project and in Swanage, the Foundations for the Future project run by the Swanage Pier Trust has been awarded £39,000.

Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed the funding, and said: “Our coastal communities bring so much to the UK – both culturally and economically – and it is absolutely right that we continue to invest in them.

“With a total £3m pledged for coastal projects today, it is clear we have an optimistic and ambitious approach to Britain’s seaside towns. We are providing a catalyst for further investment and securing treasured community assets for generations to come.”

Across the country, 118 projects will benefit and the Government hopes that the projects will attract around £30 million in private and public investment, creating 1,500 jobs.

Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said: “From Berwick to St Ives, our coastal communities boast some iconic attractions, with millions visiting them each year. “But some of our best-loved buildings are falling into a state of disrepair - the £3million Coastal Revival Fund aims to restore them to their former glory.

“This funding will now kick-start the restoration work for these 77 projects across the country, so they can continue to be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike for generations to come”

The Government has committed more than £120 million to help revive our seaside towns, so they can diversify their economy, attract investment and secure their long-term future.

Earlier this year, the Government announced 118 Coastal Community Teams, to encourage local businesses, councils and voluntary groups to work together to create a long-term strategy for their community.