BRAND new beach huts will be built at Highcliffe this year as part of an exciting television competition run by the producers of George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.

Winners of the competition will build twelve overnight beach huts at the beachfront between the Cliffhanger cafe and Highcliffe Castle.

People are being asked to submit designs for the huts before May 1, with the winners then handed £8,000 to build the structures and in turn create a new community of iconic huts, which will be available to rent.

The progress and final result will be featured in a special four part mini series with the architect, who is also known for his work on The Restoration Man, as well as George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.

The collaboration between the council and show producers came about after the presenter filmed at Mudeford sandbank last year.

And the council hope the high-profile project will enhance this part of the popular coastline, which has seen nearly £10million of work over the years to improve the beachfront and secure the cliffs.

All the designs will be different, although within a certain specification, and unlike other huts along the Christchurch coast, will not be lined up alongside each other but positioned to create a more friendly feel for visitors.

Matt Reeks, community and open spaces manager said: "We've never done anything like this before. It's very exciting to be involved in a project which will bring so many opportunities to Highcliffe and Christchurch as a whole.

"It will be the renaissance of Highcliffe.

"When the huts were here in the 1950s the whole area was so vibrant - we want to see that revived."

Gary Foyle, community and recreation team leader added: "We want to build a community feel.

"We're excited to see the designs and the various sustainable aspects people come up with. It's the start of an incredible process for the area."

Highcliffe ward councillor, Vicki Hallam, said: "Residents in Highcliffe will welcome this venture, as they've been calling for something to boost the economy.

"It is the start of something that will rejuvenate the village; everything anyone who stays there will want will be within walking distance."

The council have assured residents that Natural England will be consulted throughout the process as the site is a SSSi.

To enter email clifftop@plumpictures.co.uk for guidelines and how to apply.