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Seven towns have been awarded £178.7m in funding to boost regeneration, jobs and economic growth - including a £39.5m package for Blackpool's illuminations and tourism offering.

The money was announced on Tuesday as part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's town deals project, with the other six set to benefit including fellow North West towns Barrow-in-Furness and Warrington.

Making up the seven - the first round of funding for the scheme which will eventually mean grants for 101 places - are Darlington, Peterborough, Norwich and Torquay.

The money for Blackpool will be used to update the famous illuminations for a return of tourism after the pandemic, to the area which usually attracts 4m visitors to the area. It will also support the development of the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "This government is levelling up opportunity all across the country. We are unlocking the full potential of towns and communities, giving them the support that they need to thrive and the 7 Towns Fund Deals that I am announcing today mark the start of locally designed regeneration projects across the country.

"Backed by £180m, we are boosting skills, job creation and connectivity in these 7 towns – providing investment and confidence at a crucial time for these communities."

The fund will also include £21.9m to modernise Torquay town centre, transforming it into a retail and leisure destination and improving transport links.

A £22.9m investment for Peterborough is hoped to lay the groundwork for low carbon living, with planned projects including a skills centre for green technologies, an enterprise hub and a new pedestrian bridge.

Work will now begin with the seven areas to confirm final funding, with the town deals project described as a "cornerstone" in the Government's levelling up agenda.