PLANS to make Durham City the "jewel in the crown of the North" have been published by the ruling group on the city council.
The Liberal Democrats have produced a document called A Vision for the City of Durham, which they plan to build their future policies around.
Its three key aims are to have flourishing communities, to have quality services and to make Durham the region's capital city.
Councillor Sue Pitts, leader of the council, said: "Durham is very important to the North-East, so we intend to make sure that Durham is thought of as the capital of the North."
The group, which won power from Labour at the last local elections, has also pledged not to forget the 26 outlying villages within the authority's boundaries.
Coun Carol Woods said: "We are currently putting together a strategy that links tourism and leisure with economic development.
"We envisage Durham City Centre will be the economic driver for the whole district.
"We are committed to protecting our heritage and developing Durham so that it is beautiful, green, clean and safe.
"The Lib Dems are committed to making sure that all of the communities in the district flourish, including the 26 villages as well as the City of Durham."
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