Darlington needs to shout louder to make the world of business and commerce more aware of the benefits of moving to the town, according to Alasdair MacConachie.

The chairman of the Darlington Partnership and managing director of Vauxhall car dealership Sherwoods, in the town, is backing The Northern Echo's campaign to persuade Government departments to move to the region.

He said: "The PR in telling the world what we are about and what a good place this is needs to be better.

"Darlington is a very good place to have your business or company from the perspective that it is strategically very well situated and quite easy to take advantage of excellent rail, road and air links.

"The countryside and quality of life this area offers is also excellent.

"Darlington has scope to grow and the infrastructure the local authority is putting in place - projects such as Morton Park - will help that in making it a very competitive place to be."

Darlington Partnership brings together a number of public and private sector partners, for example the borough council, the police and businesses such as Barclays Bank.

Mr MacConachie said: "The partnership is working very hard to enhance the quality of life for people here by helping to manage the town and its infrastructure."