A TWELVE-MILE long "necklace park" snaking its way around the banks of a river is likely to be the first result of plans to improve a city's image.

Tourism expert Claire Lancaster has been appointed to develop a park in Durham made up of pockets of land strung out along the River Wear.

The park is the first proposal to emerge from the city's 20-20 Vision project, designed to help Durham shed its "beautiful, but boring" image.

The 27-year-old, who until recently worked for the tourism team at development agency One NorthEast, will work with landowners, residents and other groups with an interest in the river to create an unbroken chain of land along the Wear from Sunderland Bridge to Finchale Abbey.

The idea is to seek agreements with landowners so public spaces and open sites can be linked by paths and bridleways to create spaces for public events, walks, sports and other activities.

Ms Lancaster said: "The aim is to enable local projects to happen within environmental, heritage and regional image guidelines, while ensuring that all landowners also benefit from being involved in the park.

"My first task will be to gather information, talk to landowners and find out what the community wants, and we are organising a series of events to be held over the August Bank Holiday to sample some of the things that might become regular activities."

The park would be in addition to proposals for a £5m Lottery bid to restore the 17th Century terraced gardens on the steep slopes between the cathedral and the riverbank.

The necklace park proposal is one of a number of suggestions that are expected to be subject to further consultation this year, including plans to stage more arts schemes and events in the city centre, renovate the Market Place and improve city lighting and signs.

Last year, the 20-20 Vision Steering Group staged the biggest consultation ever in the city, when 3,500 people gave their views on the future. Most were in favour of change, but only if the city's heritage was protected.