A GLOSSY magazine highlighting Durham City's shopping, eating and drinking venues is being distributed in a attempt to attract more visitors.

The Buzz also aims to dispel what its publishers, the newly-formed Durham Marketing Initiative, says is the myth of the city's perceived parking problems.

Members of the marketing initiative, which is made up of trade and business groups, and people in the city, are keen to make Durham the first shopping venue for local people.

They fear that too many people take their trade to larger centres, in the Tyne and Wear area.

The first edition of The Buzz will be distributed to more than 60,000 homes in a ten-mile radius of Durham.

It features news items, listings and a map of the city centre, pinpointing places of interest and emphasising the location and availability of parking spaces.

Colin Wilkes, Durham Markets manager and initiative member, said parking was the main message stressed in the publication.

Mr Wilkes said: "There is a parking myth, yet Durham, in fact, has more than 2,500 spaces which cost as little as 30p for a short stay, not to mention Saturday park-and-ride from County Hall.

"I accept there are queues for some of the car parks, sometimes, but the reality is it is not too difficult to find somewhere to park in Dur-ham.

"We are also concerned about the road toll myth. The toll only applies to the dead end leading into the Market Place, where shopping visitors have no need to drive.

"In fact, we would say it is a benefit, because Saddler Street and the Market Place is now a much more pleasant and safer place to walk around."

Mr Wilkes said Durham had far more to offer than first met the eye, particularly for infrequent visitors.

He said: "We have a whole host of shops from high street favourites to small independents.

"There's plenty of places to eat and drink, as well as the other well-known attractions, such as the Gala Theatre, the cathedral and castle, and regular events, such as the forthcoming summer festival."

He said a survey found the city attracted fewer shoppers from surrounding areas than other towns in the country.