AN online hub promoting a town’s businesses has been named as one of the most influential social media accounts in the North-East for the second year running.

Having launched in October 2012, the Twitter account @DarloBiz has more than 3,400 followers, with thousands of users taking part in weekly networking sessions using the hashtag #DarloBizHour.

The account was set up by local business owners Anthony Davison and Nicola Burt-Skinner to promote businesses to boost the economy in Darlington.

It has been included in The Journal newspaper’s list of the North-East’s most influential people on social media, also known at the North-East Twitterati, for the second year running.

Also included in the list was Mr Davison’s own account, as well as Ms Burt-Skinner, local business owner Rosie Brent, social media manager Tori Gill, Gay Advice Darlington and The Northern Echo editor Peter Barron.