PLANS to create a major visitor attraction at a former prisoner of war camp are expected to be approved this week.

Scheduled monument Harperley POW Camp, near Wolsingham, in Weardale, County Durham, is set to be transformed into a Second World War museum.

After it closed, many of the buildings fell into a state of disrepair after years of use as hen huts and farm storage, so owners James and Lisa McLeod are restoring them to their original state.

It is hoped that the transformation of the 17-acre site, known as Camp 93 when it was build in 1943 to house low-risk Italian and German prisoners, will help revive the area's economy.

Since January last year, the district has lost 822 jobs, including 147 at LaFarge UK's Eastgate Cement Works and 340 at clothing factory Sara Lee Courtaulds, near Bishop Auckland.

Delegates at a jobs summit in May, called by Wear Valley District Council, identified tourism as a potential source of jobs and security for existing businesses.

Tomorrow, the council will consider proposals to create holiday accommodation in 13 of the huts, and a bed and breakfast in a mock-1940s house.

The plans also include a play area, garden centre, nursery, tea room, a farm and souvenir shop, campsite for 32 caravans and eight tents and a 200-space car park.

The proposal is recommended for approval with conditions including landscaping and details of new buildings.