A BLUEPRINT for the economic revival of a dale hit hard by job losses was unveiled last night, almost a year after the closure of a major employer.

Residents will be given a summary of the Integrated Rural Development Plan for Weardale, County Durham, which has been hailed as a model for rural regeneration throughout the country.

The multi-million pound plan - which it is estimated will create 350 jobs - relies heavily on the belief that green power holds the key to a prosperous future and includes plans for an Eco-Disneyland, or centre for renewable energy, on Lafarge Cement's former Blue Circle site at Eastgate.

Business and industrial developments, the Mineral Valleys Project, the reopening of the Weardale Railway, a new tourist attraction at Harperley Prisoner of War Camp, near Wolsingham, a rural bureau offering business support and the development of broadband ICT communication links are all key elements in a strategy designed to boost tourism and encourage enterprise.

A Weardale brand for local produce, walking and trekking tours, emphasis on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, grants to shopkeepers and commercial and technology training are all listed in the document, prepared by Wear Valley District Council and submitted to the authority's regeneration committee last night.

Funding would be sought from agencies such as One NorthEast, environmental groups, and the European Union.

John Hamilton, chairman of the task force set up to drive regeneration of the dale, said: "This is a bold and imaginative document, which is one of the most challenging I have seen. It has risks involved, but it is a plan which will create an exciting, sustainable future for Weardale and will become a blueprint for the regeneration of rural areas nationally."

Councillor Alan Townsend, regeneration committee chairman, said: "It is important that we put in place measures to help the people of Weardale and secure a long-term, viable future for the area. We believe this plan will bring about the changes needed for the regeneration of the dale."

Weardale councillor John Shuttleworth said: "We have waited too long for this. Now we must see if it can be delivered."

Summaries of the report will be sent out to every home in Weardale next month and residents will be asked for their views.

The task force is meeting parish councils, Weardale Community Partnership and other groups and staging displays at Wolsingham and Stanhope Shows in September.