Plans for a new exhibition dedicated to the life of comedian Eric Morecambe have taken a step forward after the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) agreed to part-fund a feasibility study.

The study will consider the long-term sustainability of such a visitor attraction in Morecambe, Lancashire, as well as identifying potential sources of funding and private sector partners to enable the proposals to become a reality.

Mark Bushell, spokesperson for the consortium behind the plans, said: "This is great news not only for the town of Morecambe but for the Northwest. Eric was a comedy genius and the collections of the Eric Morecambe estate help to explain how this region helped to shape the man.

"Along with his statue this exhibition has the potential to attract and captivate visitors of all ages and enable us to introduce his legacy to a new generation of fans."

Steven Broomhead, NWDA chief executive, added: "Eric Morecambe was a British icon and we know that his statue on Morecambe Promenade is a great attraction for his fans. The agency is committed to supporting the regeneration of Morecambe and this study will help us to examine the options for the continued development of the resort."