IT might not quite be Florida or Mauritius, but tourism bosses hope Clacton will rival more exotic locations after getting its own Palm Beach.

Nine new palm trees have sprung up on the Blue Flag award-winning Martello Beach in an effort to create a themed area as an added attraction.

The trees are planted in pots around Tendring Council’s seafront rangers’ hut by the Martello Tower. Some of the impressive palms were surplus to another job that was carried out by the council, while others were donated by a local landscaping firm.

The council’s coastal protection boss Nick Turner said the initiative was part of the authority’s effort to improve its seafront attractions.

He said: “On the other side of Clacton Pier going up to Holland Haven we have a £36million coastal protection scheme being carried out, which will create 22 wonderful newbeaches whichwill not be covered by the tide.

“We are also undertaking other improvements along the town’s seafront and the palm trees to help bring something new to the Martello Beach, which is also very popular.

“We hope they will go down well with visitors and our own residents, and will provide a feature on an area of our golden sands which attracts many people.”

The trees will stay on the beach over the summer and will then be put into storage for winter.