What (1) ________ the phrase ‘the great British seaside’ bring to mind? Most people, if asked to respond (2) ________ the top of their heads, associate (3) ________ on holiday to places such as Blackpool or Torquay with poor weather, old, faded attractions and a low standard of accommodation. These days, when people are more likely to go abroad to (4) ________ the sights, traditional British seaside towns (5) ________ suffering from an image problem. Now, finally, some of the resorts (6) ________ decided to bring their images up to date in the hope that a (7) ________ of direction will bring back the tourists. Many will need a lot of convincing, but those that (8) ________ come will find that today’s Blackpool differs quite a bit (9) ________ the picture postcard past.

After years of neglect, Blackpool has to work hard to catch (10) ________ with foreign destinations but that’s precisely what it (11) ________ doing. It’s the first time so much (12) ________ happened to improve the place in such a short time. A massive building project, including a new casino and indoor entertainment centre, (13) ________ that rainy days are no longer a problem. And it appears (14) ________ be working. As the tourists start to make (15) ________ the bright lights of Blackpool once again, it seems that the great British seaside has a bright future ahead.