A VIRTUAL version of one of the UK's fastest-growing science parks is being launched to help fuel innovation in the region.

NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, is one of the leading locations for emerging sciences and technology in the country, and now its services are being offered online to drive forward productivity and development in the North-East.

The project is being hailed as a "NetPark without walls", and will broaden the venue's top-class services to companies throughout the region.

Initially, a virtual office will be created with a postal and email address, which will lead to access to services such as sourcing finance and research.

Stewart Watkins, managing director of NetPark backers County Durham Development Company (CDDC), said: "We are creating a 'NetPark without walls' which will bring the world-class services on offer at NetPark companies throughout County Durham and across the North-East at the click of a mouse.

"Eventually, companies that are 'virtual' tenants will be able to access a range of resources and information from across the region, to enable them to become as productive and as innovative as possible."

The development of the new service is funded by Durham County Council through CDDC, and by regional development agency One NorthEast through the County Durham Economic Partnership.

For more information, visit www.uknetpark.net