Joyful residents have welcomed news that the Tourist Information Centre is to return to Hornsea this summer.

Last year the centres in Hornsea and Withernsea were closed as part of a trial scheme by the region's tourism organisation, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire.

They were replaced by touch-screen computers in the town's leisure centre - a move which was criticised by traders and civic leaders.

Despite concern the centres could be lost forever, East Riding Council has announced plans to relocate the facility to Hornsea Museum, in the town centre.

Councillors, however, remain tight-lipped on the future of Withernsea's, saying discussions are continuing with an announcement hoped to be made soon.

David Neave, chairman of Hornsea Museum's board of trustees, said: "Entering into a partnership to provide tourist information is a very positive move forward for the museum and will undoubtedly lead to more people coming through our doors, as well as providing an enhanced service for visitors to Hornsea."

Residents in Hornsea were so concerned of the loss of their Newbegin Tourist Information Centre they set up a stall in the Methodist Church opposite, to offer advice and help to visitors.

Polly Worsdale, who coordinated the resident's tourist information stand, said: "I'm very pleased about the news as the tourist information centre is very important to the town.

"When we were running the stand, we were busy for the six days a week and had a lot of visitors, who needed someone to talk to about the town's facilities."

The privately-run museum's board of trustees has recently approved the move of the information centre in principle and the East Riding Council's cabinet is expected to back the proposal next month.

Under the plans, a bespoke tourist information desk will be set up in the museum which will be manned at busy periods during the summer such as bank holiday weekends, school holidays and when key events are taking place in the town.

Councillor Jane Evison, East Riding Council's portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection, said: "This development is extremely good news and will result in an improved service for visitors and one that will help raise the profile and tourism potential of Hornsea."

The electronic kiosk at the leisure centre will be retained as part of the proposal, subject to approval from the East Riding Council's cabinet.

The results of the pilot, together with full details of the proposal to re-locate Hornsea Tourist Information Centre to the museum, are due to be presented to the cabinet meeting on March 16.