A FORMER coalfield area has become a tourist magnet following a television appearance.

Seaham Hall Hotel, which overlooks the sea in the former mining town, featured in Monday night's episode of BBC 1's Holiday programme.

The series, which advertises tourist destinations throughout the world, highlighted the North-East's cultural life, showing Newcastle's Baltic and Laing art galleries and the Centre for Life, and referring to Newcastle and Gateshead's Capital of Culture bid.

But rather than feature a Tyneside hotel, the programme makers chose Seaham Hall, where the presenter was shown eating breakfast and standing in front of a fountain.

Conference and banqueting manager Shaun Herbert said: "I think the main reason they chose the hotel is because of the artwork. Some of it is remarkable and it's by local artists."

Following the programme, the hotel has been inundated with calls from people wanting to book rooms.

"We had ten extra staff on standby and I have never heard phones ring so constantly for such a long time," said Mr Herbert. "We had about 500 calls and the phone rang for about two hours.

Mr Herbert said the hotel's success would benefit the whole area.

"We have done a lot of work with local heritage trusts and Turning the Tide, and people in east Durham are proud of the hotel," he said. "It's part of the area's regeneration."

The hotel is expected to attract even more visitors when its Oriental Spa, one of the world's biggest and most luxurious, opens next month.