JOB prospects in rural areas are expected to be boosted by a drive for more tourists to visit County Durham’s market towns.

Four destination development plans for Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Stanhope and Chester-le-Street will be unveiled on Monday by tourism agency Visit County Durham, Durham County Council, and representatives from the local community.

Millions of visitors every year flock to world famous sites such as Durham Cathedral and Beamish Museum.

The new initiative, to be announced at The Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, will encourage visitors to explore the county’s hidden gems.

The plans include a strapline which encapsulates each town’s particular appeal.

Barnard Castle is described as “An historic, must-see European market town.” Bishop Auckland bills itself “The market town with a fascinating 2,000-year heritage brought to life through events”, and Stanhope is “The green and tranquil market town at the heart of the Durham Dales and hub for outdoor activities”.

The tourism industry in the North-East is facing up to the prospect of further budget cuts following the Government’s decision to freeze marketing spending by regional development agency One North East for its Passionate People Passionate Places campaign, which promoted the area as a visitor destination.

Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of Visit County Durham, said the initiative was an important milestone for the tourism industry in County Durham.

“It is all about generating jobs for local people,” she said.

“We bring tourists here through our big attractions such as Durham Cathedral and then we ask them, ‘why not extend your stay?’ We have Stanhope, a lovely little village nestling in the middle of wonderful, unspoilt countryside.

Barnard Castle, a fantastic market town, and historic Bishop Auckland.”

The plans detail how each town can win a greater share of the £656m that tourism brings to the county annually; from ensuring there is sufficient car parking space to making shopfronts spic and span.

“There is no point telling people to visit somewhere such as Bishop Auckland if the town isn’t going to be welcoming.

The plans are about bringing together the whole community to give visitors a really positive experience of County Durham,” said Ms Sensicle.

The industry employs 11,500 people and attracts 18 million visitors to County Durham each year, and in the past ten years it has created 2,900 new full-time positions.

One North East reported in September that tourism in the county is growing faster than in any other part of the North-East.