BEING named UK City of Culture in 2013 could boost a county’s economy by £120m, experts say.

The figure, the first time a value has been attached to the Durham campaign, is revealed in the county’s initial bid to the Government, made public yesterday.

The four-page document says County Durham’s visitor economy is worth £656m a year and sets a target of expanding the sector to £900m by 2014.

Culture chiefs say some growth will come whether Durham wins the inaugural City of Culture title or not, but that winning the prize would add £120m.

Durham already has an impressive programme of cultural events lined up for the next few years, including a second Lumiere lights festival, an Ashes Test and the loan of the Lindisfarne Gospels, but securing the Culture prize could bring many more events.

Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of tourism group Visit County Durham, said: “Winning the City of Culture title would accelerate the journey that Durham is already on, by growing its economy through putting culture and tourism at the heart of it.

“We will get there anyway, but this will mean we get there quicker, and that means more jobs for local people.”

Durham is one of 14 cities bidding for the prize, which could mean the winner hosting events such as the Brit Awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

It is hoped a successful Durham bid would also help:

● Create an extra 3,500 jobs;

● Nearly double the number of hotel bed spaces;

● Double the number of creative businesses;

● Increase library, museum and art gallery visits;

● Increase volunteering;

● Increase the number of teenagers in work, education or employment;

● And produce health benefits across the county.

The document’s front cover features a large picture of Sir Bobby Robson, with his quip: “I’d have given my right hand to be a pianist.”

The Government is expected to announce a shortlist of bidders next month, with the winner unveiled in the summer.

To back Durham’s bid or watch a promotional video, visit durhamcityofculture.co.uk