A HARBOURSIDE attraction will be the subject of a fact-finding meeting today, as authorities get together to look at ways it could be expanded.

Lawrence Raybone, owner of the Ilfracombe Aquarium, is hoping to extend the popular attraction at the pier entrance as part of the plans to develop the harbour.

And today he meets members of the Harbour Board and officers from North Devon Council to look at the possibilities.

He said: "This is a great opportunity to discuss our future ideas for development with the Harbour Board and the district council, which have supported us throughout.

"I am very keen to develop the aquarium facilities and contribute to the broadening appeal for visitors to the harbour and town."

Lawrence's vision is to expand the attraction which is based at the old lifeboat house and currently draws around 35,000 visitors a year.

He would like to showcase more of the marine wildlife "on our doorstep" and bring in associated bodies such as the Marine Conservation Society, Devon Wildlife Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority, drawing on their expertise to expand educational facilities, so that school groups from across the region can visit.

Lawrence added: "A recent survey has shown that a large percentage of our visitors are return visitors. This is fantastic news, and suggests that we've got a great product, but in order to meet visitors' ever growing expectations, we need to develop our existing facilities."