IN a year that has seen the region's tourism industry hit by the foot- and-mouth crisis, attracting new tourists is just the tonic the North-East needs.

Norwegian Air Shuttle, of Newcastle, has been trying to do just that by promoting golfing holidays in the region.

There are 50 golf courses within an hour of Newcastle and the region is becoming known for its golfing facilities.

Since Newcastle became the first commercial route for Norwegian Air Shuttle last January, the company has been promoting the facilities and attractions of the North-East to Norwegian tourists.

The latest initiative has involved the company supporting a trip from Golf World Norge, the most popular golfing magazine in Norway, to visit the North-East.

The team from the magazine visited golf courses and facilities around the region, looking at the different championship, links and parkland courses.

Mike Rigby, of Norwegian Air Shuttle, said: "The North-East has welcomed and supported Norwegian Air Shuttle and we are anxious to repay that support.

"The potential to bring in new tourists to the region through golf is enormous.

"With events such as The Great North Open at Slaley Hall only a couple of hours travel from Norway, long and short breaks are ideal."