ONCE they were just for talking - then you could text, take photographs and surf the web. But by next summer, the humble mobile phone could also enable shoppers to pay for car parking.

The scheme in Darlington will also see shoppers sent a text message when their time is running out.

The plans are the first of their kind in the region and are part of a package of measures proposed by Darlington Borough Council to help boost town centre trade.

Drivers will be able to call or text a phone number, and pay by entering their credit or debit card details and car registration number.

They will also be reminded via a text message when their time is nearly up and have the option of extending their stay by ringing or texting the same number.

The pay-by-phone system would not replace the pay-and-display method because the two would be able to operate at the same time.

Parking wardens would use hand-held computers to enforce the scheme, being able to check on drivers' accounts at the touch of a button.

The mobile phone plans and other parking incentives will go before the council's cabinet for approval on Tuesday, November 7.

They include a free third hour in short-stay, off-street car parks, as well as free on and off-street parking from 3.30pm on the four Thursdays leading up to Christmas, when shops in the town stay open longer.

Nick Wallis, the borough council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The council would be making use of the very latest technology to help both shoppers and traders.

"We have listened to traders who are keen for us to encourage shoppers to come to the town and stay longer.

"These parking initiatives offer a real boost to town centre businesses and shoppers in the run-up to Christmas and, if they are approved by cabinet, I look forward to seeing them introduced."