TOUR operators are visiting the Wear Valley on a history trail that dates back to the 19th Century.

As part of a Busman's Holiday, organised by the Wear Valley Group Travel Showcase, the 40-plus operators are hoping to boost tourism.

They will be following the same trail as the famous Methodist Preacher John Wesley when he visited Weardale and the North Pennines two centuries ago.

The tour planners will stay for two nights at the Park Head Country Hotel in New Coundon, near Bishop Auckland and at the Manor House Hotel and Country Club in West Auckland.

Supported by the tourism businesses in the region, the showcase aims to highlight a number of established visitor attractions during the two days.

The event, which will take place from Thursday, May 19 until Saturday, May 21, was commissioned by Wear Valley District Council, supported by One NorthEast Tourism, Discover Teesdale Consortium, Sedgefield Borough Council and organised by Northumberland-based tourism specialist, Steve Red Tourism Ltd.