SUN-SEEKING tourists filled Morecambe to bursting point at the weekend - just as news broke that developers want to build a new 80-bedroom hotel on the derelict Frontierland site.

Hotels and bed and breakfasts in the resort were flooded with people heading to the coast for a short break.

Some visitors had to be turned away as temperatures in the Bay soared to 29 Celsius - higher than on Italy's East coast.

There were not enough beds to cope with demand - but it is hoped that a planning application lodged with Lancaster City Council this week will help to bridge the gap.

Morrisons and Blackpool Pleasure Beach want consent for an 80-bedroom hotel alongside new apartments and shop units - including a JJB health and leisure club - on the site just off Morecambe promenade.

They have also submitted a blueprint for two combined leisure and retail units on the site - despite the fact that the West End masterplan outlines the site being used as a new campus for St Martin's College.

A spokesman for Morrisons, says:" While we were aware that there had been mention of a new college campus, at this time there is nothing concrete and we have therefore developed a scheme which we believe would meet current demands.

"However, it in no way precludes the college from bidding to secure the site in the future."

He says that it is too early to talk about specific plans for the 'landmark' polo tower.

And he adds: "When we have planning consent we will look at starting development as soon as possible."

Jim Catterall, of Morecambe Hoteliers Association, welcomes the news.

He told the Citizen: "The warm weather has definitely attracted more people to the area for short breaks and Morecambe has been busy, which is great.

"The only problem is that we do not have enough quality beds at the moment so the planning application for an 80-bedroom hotel is wonderful. We think that another hotel in the area would be great."