Beach huts to be used for summer school

The beach huts will still be available for people to hire

Seaside huts will be used to operate a beach school and nursery this summer after plans were given the go-ahead.

Teacher Shonette Bason, who had earmarked the empty huts in Seaton Carew as a base for her programme, said she was "super excited".

"I think it’s just going to make a huge difference to lots and lots of children in the North East," the 51-year-old said.

An initial three month "trial period" is in place, with the public still able to rent the huts.

Ms Bason's programme involves taking children to the beach to help enhance their education and provide new outdoor learning opportunities.

The first beach school sessions were held during May half-term with around 30 children attending each day.

The Wynyard resident said: "I’m super excited. It’s just going to be brimming, teeming with life.

"It can be a facility that brings vibrancy and brings a bit more life back to that part of the seafront.

"I think it’s just going to make a huge difference to lots and lots of children in the North East."

Ms Bason, who has been a teacher for 30 years, added they already had several schools booked in for trips and had offered places to others in deprived areas.

Kieran Bostock, Hartlepool Borough Council’s assistant director – neighbourhood services, said: "We are delighted to see the beach huts come back into use for what should be a fantastic venture.

"We wish Ms Bason well with her project and will be keeping in contact to see how it’s progressing over the summer."