STAFF at a rural tourist information centre in County Durham will be putting on a brave face when they celebrate its first anniversary tomorrow.

Despite the foot-and-mouth crisis crippling local tourist spots in the area, staff at the Middleton-in-Teesdale Tourist Information Centre have vowed to remain positive during the anniversary.

The centre will be putting on a display of their work over the past year, as well as showing information on events that are planned for the forthcoming season.

However, despite the determination to remain positive, the anniversary celebrations will be subdued by the rural crisis.

Manager Judith Mashiter said yesterday: "It has been a busy year, with a total of over 15,000 visitors to the centre.

"Given the current crisis facing many of our neighbouring businesses, we would like to offer whatever help we can to them in promoting the area, its facilities and attractions, shops, accommodation and eating places.

"Our staff are kept well up-to-date with information which visitors request and can often provide useful ideas for places to go and see."