Sunderland is the UK’s best-value seaside resort, according to a study.
The city — normally associated with shipbuilding, coal and football — has 19 beaches.
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Researchers analysed the cost of a traditional day at the seaside — including fish and chips, ice cream, parking, drinks and deckchair hire — across the country.
It discovered that the North-East city was superior to resorts like Blackpool or Bournemouth.
A day there cost just £12.09 per person, compared to nearly £20 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, the study by Vanquis Bank found.
Yet this year Sunderland was named the UK’s 36th worst place to live in a “Crap Towns” list.
Kevin Alder, a kitchen fitter, is 49 years old and resides in Sunderland. “We’ve got some lovely beaches — Seaburn and Roker — but I’m not sure the drive through the centre would endear many people to the city.”
These resorts have a cost per head 1. Sunderland £12.09, 2. Lowestoft, £12.89; 3. Grimsby, £13.68; 4 Weston-super-Mare, 15.18; 5. Blackpool, £16.01; 6. Bognor Regis, £16.18; 7. Hastings, £16.48; 8. Eastbourne, £17.14; 9. Bournemouth, £18.03; 10. Southend-on-Sea, £19.93.