A BID to open up 37 miles of Tendring coastline to walkers is being unveiled today.

The latest stretch of the England Coast Path will run from Jaywick to Harwich if it gets the go-ahead, boosting access to hikers.

Bosses at Natural England have launched an eight-week consultation so people can have their say.

The path will run from Jaywick to Clacton, through Holland-on-Sea, Frinton, Walton and around Hamford Water before ending at at Harwich's Treadmill Crane.

Natural England says the route will show off the "fantastic diversity" of the Tendring coastline, with award-winning beaches, traditional piers, nature reserves and prehistoric fossils in the cliffs at Walton's Naze.

Natural England’s Aidan Lonergan said: "The England Coast Path is a hugely exciting project and will enable people to enjoy more of the fantastic coast on a new or improved route.

"The stretch of coast from Jaywick to Harwich will take walkers on a journey showcasing the amazing diversity of the Essex Coast - from its traditional seaside towns, to the spectacular natural beauty of Hamford Water and the historic port of Harwich. "Over the next eight weeks we are inviting all organisations, landowners, farmers, local residents and businesses to have their say on the proposals."

If the plan is approved, it will become part of the England Coast Path – the 2,700-mile long-distance walking route.

County council highways boss Ian Grundy said: “In Essex we are fortunate enough to play host to one of the longest coastlines in Britain.

“It is great to see work beginning to develop on a coastal path to open up access to the picturesque coastline in and around this area."