AN innkeeper is appealing for help to pinpoint key attractions as outings for tourists thinking of visiting the region.

Bob Middlemiss, manager of the Innkeeper's Lodge, on the A167 Great North Road, at Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street, wants to list the top activities in the north Durham area for potential visitors.

He feels north Durham is under-represented on his hotel group's Short Break Ideas database.

Mr Middlemiss, keen to put the area on the map, said: "Short Break Ideas was created to encourage people to take mini-breaks in the UK and make the most of all the great places there are to visit.

"At the moment, we're missing out on that tourism boost.

"There are some great days out to be had in north Durham and the surrounding area, and I want to encourage people from around the country to come and enjoy it.

"By getting locals to identify the key attractions in the area - such as zoos, theatres and theme parks - I'm hoping it will be recognised as an ideal place to visit.

"We have 76 hotels in the chain round the country and I want ours to stand out from the rest."

Several easy offerings should spring to mind, including the delights of Durham's twin World Heritage site of the cathedral and castle, the region's industrial past on show at Beamish Museum, the Diggerland adventure park, at Langley Park, and the nearby Riverside Ground at Chester-le-Street, which will be staging two international cricket matches in coming weeks.

Anyone entering a suggestion which goes on to be used on the Short Break Ideas site will be included in a prize draw, with a chance to win a complimentary break at any Innkeeper's Lodge.

Ideas can be posted on www.innkeeperslodge.com or passed on to Mr Middlemiss, on 0191-389 2628.