Southport's economy will see an estimated £10 million plus boost over the next six years, thanks to a series of large conference deals.

Following a joint collaboration between the Southport Conferences and Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (STCC), the International Dance Teachers Association will host its annual three-day congress in the resort until 2015.

The event will bring an estimated 1,000 delegates to the town each summer.

The Prison Officers Association has also confirmed it will hold its annual conference at the STCC every year from 2011 to 2016. Each year the event will bring an estimated 400 delegates to Southport.

According to VisitBritain, each delegate staying for multi-day conferences in the UK generates an economic impact of £461 per day.

Sefton Council's head of tourism, Tony Corfield, said:

“These wins are a real testament to the work of the STCC, the Southport business tourism team and everyone else involved in the bid. The commitment for them to return year after year, really highlights particularly in an uncertain economic climate, the strength of the destination and its offering for delegates.

"The wins are not only a welcome reward for us as a team, but through the spend that each delegate will bring to the local area whilst staying in hotels and using the local facilities etc, it also equates to a significant economic benefit to Southport."

For further information visit www.southportconferences.com.

By Natasha Young