Traders' leader Martin Hunns, who is shown with a new painting of an old 1930s poster, is predicting a healthy summer for the town's businesses.

Mr Hunns, chairman of Thornton Cleveleys Association of Commerce and Trade, believes the new promenade development which was officially opened last weekend will help to pull in visitors.

Mayor of Wyre Councillor keith Riley opened the latest phase of the multi-million pound coastal defence improvements which have transformed the seafront.

And with the likely return of children's fairground Kiddies Corner, and the soon-to-be completed bowling alley next to the Vue Cinema, Mr Hunns believes trade is on the up.

He said: "Now the weather is getting a bit warmer, I think we will have a bumper summer.

"Trade is already picking up nicely, despite the gloom of the credit crunch, the cost of petrol and the need for more local parking facilities."

The painting held by the trader is by local artist Jimmy Cutler, who is president of the Windmill Art Society based in Cleveleys who have displayed some of their work in Mr Hunns' Carousel Cafe.

Jimmy found a black and white print of an old poster, dating from the first boom of Cleveleys in the thirties, and brought it to colourful life.