MORE office space has been let in Darlington this year than ever before, according to a local estate agent.

Sanderson Townend and Gilbert has let 150,000 sq ft of office space in the past year - three times more than the annual average for the whole Tees Valley area.

Regeneration officials welcomed the news, saying it was a boost for the town's economy and was already leading to an increase in jobs.

The variety of new developments, transport links and the low cost of rent in Darlington has contributed to the boom.

David Jackson, director of Sanderson Townend and Gilbert, said: "Part of the reason for it is two deals in the past year which have set a record for open market lettings in Darlington, one of which was Amec moving into the former Cleveland Bridge building in Yarm Road. The other was Capita at Lingfield Point.

"It all seems to be happening in Darlington at the moment. Certainly, on a national level, the companies are mentioning Darlington specifically as a place they want to be, rather than just the North-East.

"It is probably that people are aware of schemes such as Morton Palms and Lingfield Point, which are backed up by some really good developers who are prepared to put their money where their mouth is and build with confidence, providing good quality products.

"Companies are looking for good facilities, but also for the lifestyle in Darlington, with the good transport links, etc.

"I know it is a clich, but the Darlington area is a well-kept secret."

Richard Alty, assistant director for development and regeneration at Darlington Borough Council, said: "It is something we plan to monitor more in the future, and clearly there are significant developments in the pipeline, such as Morton Palms coming up in the next year.

"We have been doing a lot of work as a council to promote Darlington as an office location.

"The wider implications will be attracting more employment and development as part of the bigger strategy. This is a good early indication that the council's strategy is working."