COASTAL towns are centres of deprivation, according to a report from a government committee.

The Communities and Local Government committee of MPs from all parties found that 21 of the most deprived authorities are in coastal areas.

The committee is calling for more government help in coastal towns.

The report states: "A number of coastal towns suffer from deprivation and their economic regeneration is of critical importance.

"Tourism continues to be an important industry in many areas especially in traditional seaside reports.

"The government needs to adopt a national approach to promote and support seaside tourism."

South Dorset MP and junior minister Jim Knight, whose constituency includes Swanage, welcomed the report.

He said: "I can recognise many of the problems in Dorset. In terms of deprivation the area with greatest need is Weymouth and Portland.

"We also have the oldest population in Dorset and although it is perceived as a prosperous area we have low wages.

"We certainly have problems with affordable housing."

He said that the report has recognised there can not be a "one size fits all" approach but that instead the government needs to more sensitively measure deprivation to pick up problems in coastal areas not just inner cities.

According to the report, coastal towns usually have more physical and social isolation, high proportions of older people, high levels of outward migration among younger people and low wage, low skill seasonal economies.

Bournemouth however was one town that bucked many of the trends. It was reported to have a strong labour market and had retained lots of its younger people.

The report found a lack of affordable housing in coastal towns is exacerbated by the purchase of second homes and inward migration by older people.

The MPs also found that in many coastal towns there is a high proportion of local quality rented housing including houses in multiple occupation.

The committee called for government departments to develop an understanding to help address the challenges coastal towns face.

Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth West, said: "We've done well in defining ourselves as an all-weather attraction, but we can't rest on our laurels and must continue to improve services and keep Bournemouth a good family resort.

"Building all over our car parks and packing houses in like sardines will not help us, and I worry for the character of Bournemouth if we aren't careful."