Plymouth's economy could benefit massively if the south west becomes a marine energy park, according to the city council.

Minister Greg Barker is due to make an announcement next month on whether the region has been successful.

The idea is that there would be a marine technology park in the region in the same vein as Silicon Valley in California, which would become a hub for the industry.

The city council says one idea would be to create a large wave machine for the area to produce electricity and generate income.

It would also mean that the region could attract more funding from Europe - city council leader Vivien Pengelly says that is tough at the moment because the council would have to match-fund any money they get.