New watersports centre proposed for Ilfracombe's Larkstone Beach

Ilfracombe Regeneration Board - a partnership between three local authorities - is planning to establish a new permanent watersports centre at Devon's Larkstone Beach.

The board is working with local clubs, national governing bodies and other stakeholders in a bid to explore the feasibility of the project, its needs and its potential for growth.

Gig rowing, canoeing, sea kayaking, sailing and coasteering are among the activities that will operate out of the facility, which will "encourage and support our future champions".

The centre will house showers, changing rooms, a café and storage facilities, with the project to stimulate local investment and to support business growth in the region.

North Devon Council's Mike Edmunds said: "The proposed site at Larkstone is currently being investigated to determine its suitability to host a new building."