MORECAMBE tourism chiefs hope a casino revolution in Blackpool will have a knock-on effect for the ailing resort.

They believe the expected £1 billion investment in the seaside neighbours will be a boost to tourism across the North-West.

And hopes remain high that the Midland Hotel could benefit from a change in the gaming laws which would allow it to host its very own casino.

Head of tourism Ron Sands said: "The tourism committee has always recognised the beneficial 'halo effect' derived from our proximity to areas like the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the historic county town of Lancaster with its large student population.

"An Atlantic City or Las Vegas type development just 30 miles to the south would be like winning the lottery many times over."

Cllr June Ashworth, chairman of the city council's tourism committee, said she hoped the town would also be able to take advantage of the ban on powerboats in Lake Windermere by resurrecting a long planned marina development.

She said: "The Midland Hotel is one of Britain's art-deco masterpieces, with Eric Gill murals valued at millions of pounds. A top class casino there supported by gourmet seafood restaurants and luxury accommodation could sit very happily alongside a marina complex."

The port of Heysham is also expected to benefit from any Blackpool development, which is expected to be completed over the next ten years.