DARLINGTON Borough Council has spent at least £18,500 on 30 signs welcoming drivers to the borough -but the signs do not mention County Durham.

The signs - costing £617 each - read "Welcome to the Borough of Darlington - the gateway to the Tees Valley".

The signs are being placed around the borough boundary, including in Hurworth Place and Heighington. Installing the signs could increase the cost to more than £18,500.

A council spokeswoman said: "Some of the current signs are so dilapidated they are unreadable, and it is important for people to know when they cross a borough boundary.

"Darlington is proud to be part of the Tees Valley.

"Since we became a unitary authority, we have not had any administrative links with County Durham.