An island community off the Northumberland coast could use a hovercraft to boost tourism.

The tiny community of Holy Island or Lindisfarne has just 120 homes and was originally the cradle of Christianity in north-east England and a retreat for monks.

The island, famed for Lindisfarne mead - a traditional drink distilled from honey - and the gospels of the Venerable Bede, is cut off from the mainland twice a day by the tides, and is normally reached by a causeway road.

But the causeway has recently started to flood, even at low water, prompting a local businessman to float the idea of using a hovercraft to ferry tourists to and from the island.

The island is cut off twice a day

The proposal, by Kerry Noble from Belford, Northumberland, has started a debate on how best to deal with the needs of islanders and the thousands of tourists who visit each year.

Mr Noble wants to take visitors and people who live there over the water to Holy Island in his air-cushion taxi, and has just submitted the idea for consideration.

Mr Noble says he has market research which suggests his hovercraft service would be a winner with the public.

He has also said the vessel could be used as an emergency vehicle to rescue stricken travellers caught on the causeway and assisting the Northumbria Air Ambulance when necessary.

He is now looking for backing from islanders and their parish council.

Residents have cautiously welcomed the plan, but say the tranquility of the island, which is big attraction to tourists, will have to be preserved as much as possible.

The proposals will be debated at a meeting of Holy Island Parish Council soon.