ONLINE hotel booking service Bedsearcher plans to increase its business ten-fold by joining forces with rural hospitality providers.

The multi-award winning company, based in Darlington, already has a database of more than 19,000 hotels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses in the UK and 23 European countries.

Jim Mann, the company's founder, said: "Our main aim for the early part of 2007 is to make contact with every rural bed and breakfast, guest house and hostel in the UK, and let them know what we can do for their business."

The company, which has won top industry awards in travel and tourism, business and innovation, offers a personalised, fast and precise service.

Its latest offering is the website www.bedsearcher.co. uk/walksandpeaks, which allows walkers to search through thousands of routes and book convenient accommodation.

The site uses Ordnance Survey grid references to pinpoint a place for users to choose accommodation by village, postcode or even a walk starting point. Hoteliers also gain by receiving a free service that has no up-front fees - fees only becoming payable when rooms are filled.

Mr Mann said: "Not only will this service increase occupancy levels and provide a vehicle for hoteliers to promote their own business, it will ultimately lead to them achieving higher revenue and better profits in a risk-free manner.

"We would urge any hoteliers who may be interested in working with us to get in touch - we would love to show them what we can do for them."