A rural Tourist Information Centre is now able to provide top quality facilities, thanks to a £60,000 refurbishment.

The refurbishment at Barnard Castle Tourist Information Centre will help staff provide a high level of service using cutting-edge technology.

The TIC, which is run by Teesdale District Council, now provides a fully-networked tourist information service using high-speed Internet access terminals and the first BT Openzone wireless 'hot-spot' facility in Teesdale.

For the first time, the centre staff will be able to show potential customers accommodation and attraction details on the Internet at the time of booking.

Councillor Jo Fergus said: "Provision of quality tourist-related information in Teesdale has come on in leaps and bounds over they years and the refurbishment of the centre represents yet another milestone.

"But it's not just for tourists. A surprising number of local people are unaware of all the attractions and events on their doorstep."

Wherever possible, local companies have been involved in the refurbishment. Anthony Nixon Furniture of Barnard Castle, designed and made the front counter which features carvings of Teesdale attractions.

The counter also features pillars of stone supplied by P and S Coverdale, of Bowes, and Bartons Creative Solutions provided graphic design and marketing advice.

James Usher, the Head of Development at Teesdale District Council, said: "In many cases, the TIC is the first impression a visitor has of our area and the experience must be efficient, informative and welcoming.

"Our recent investment in this centre sets the standard in the region and beyond, demonstrating the determination of the partners to support businesses in Teesdale."

Funders for the project included OneNorthEast, the County Durham Economic Partnership, the Countryside Agency and Teesdale Marketing Ltd.