JIM Tague should know (HAS, Mar 13) that Weardale and the Wear Valley will never be included in the Tees Valley, as those boroughs lie on the banks of the River Wear in County Durham.

We could argue and protest over the new English boroughs forever but, according to the roadsigns and the 2007 UK road atlas, the Tees Valley stretches from Hartlepool in the north to Darlington in the south west.

When Darlington was a part of County Durham, the town was always neglected by the county council in favour of smaller places like Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Durham City.

That is why I salute our new status, as we are at long last recognised as being partners with our neighbouring towns like Middlesbrough and Stockton, which are also built on the banks of the River Tees.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.

WHEN I am asked where I come from, I say Darlington and the person asks "is that near Durham in the North of England?".

Christopher Wardell goes on ad nauseam about the name of our local airport.

The city of Durham is known the world over as the Land of the Prince Bishops and the home of the wonderful Durham Cathedral.

To compare Middleton One Row with Durham is simply ludicrous.

Durham is on the tourist map and is visited by countless thousands each year.

Darlington gets visitors too, but primarily people visiting relatives.

Darlington is very fortunate to be located between Durham and York and benefits thereby.

I hope I am not being disrespectful to Darlington but I have often heard it said that it is an easy place to get out of - to North, South, East, West, by road or rail.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.