AN MP has highlighted the importance of the tourism industry to her County Durham constituency as a website promoting the area was relaunched.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman visited Doe Park, in Cotherstone, Teesdale, to recognise the contribution tourism makes to the local economy and community.

While she was at the site, the new Explore Teesdale website which promotes south Durham and Teesdale was revealed for the first time.

It aims to provide clear and easy to navigate web pages packed with information about attractions and activities, accommodation and events in the area.

Angela Whiting, project manager for the development of the website, said: "It is important to have as many businesses as possible represented on the website to give potential visitors a good view of all Teesdale has to offer and help them to plan their stay."

The event coincided with the start of English Tourism Week, which runs until Sunday, March 22 showcasing the quality and vibrancy of visitor experiences across the country.

Alison Lamb, of Doe Park, said: "Ms Goodman was really pleased to come out and support English Tourism Week and recognise the significant contribution that tourism makes to the dale, it has a real impact on the rural economy and community which is growing.

"The new website is fantastic and will hopefully show people outside the area why it is worth visiting and staying here but will also be really useful for local people to find out what is going on, sometimes you don't always notice what is on offer on your doorstep.

"In this area we've a wonderful natural setting and good attractions, such as Bowes Museum and good pubs, which we've teamed up with for special offers during the week."