Businesses in the Withernsea area have brought back the chamber of trade group in a bid to boost the local economy.

The former group is believed to have stopped in the 1980s, but has now been brought back to life and 40 businesses have already signed up.

Chairman Paul Armstrong, who is co-owner of Charisma In Elegance hairdressers, Queen Street, said: "There are quite a few aims of the group.

"We want to create employment and business and show people this area is a good place to come to and a good place to return to.

"There is also the networking interaction between businesses in this area."

The group was set up after a handful of passionate people wanted to improve the area.

Mr Armstrong said: "I think the group stopped in the 80s as the businesses were doing well and thought there didn't need to be an organisation.

"We have brought the group back now so we can have more of a say.

"The group will give us strength in volume and a bigger voice.

"There are also other aspects to the group, which includesgetting schools to help design Christmas lights.

"We are also liaising with East Riding Council to plant more shrubs and plants to make the area look more attractive."

So far, the group includes everything from pubs and fish and chip shops to pheasant farms, with businesses as far as Kilnsea and Hollym.

Councillor Kevan Hough, Withernsea Town Mayor, has praised the group.

He said: "It is certainly a good thing for the town to have a vibrant chamber of trade.

"After only a few meetings they seem to have a lot of good ideas, which won't just improve trade but also make Withernsea a nicer place to live in.

"As a town council we do attend the monthly meetings and want to work with them."

The group is currently in the process of setting up a website.

Membership costs £25 a year. For more information call Mr Armstrong on (01964) 612541.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1, at the Withernsea Golf Club, Chestnut Avenue,