A COUNTY Durham business, which set up an outdoor activities centre in France, is now planning to establish a similar centre on the site of a former North-East cement works.

Stanhope company Chateau Beaumont, which owns and runs an education and activity centre in Normandy, wants to create a second centre at the planned renewable energy village in Eastgate, County Durham.

The eco-friendly development, which would see the creation of at least 350 jobs, would be on the site of the derelict Lafarge Cement works, and will include housing, holiday accommodation, a hotel, hostel and allotments.

Chateau Beaumont plans to develop a centre to accommodate up to 250 visitors, classrooms, IT suite and offices.

The centre could see children from across the UK visiting the region every year as part of their national curriculum studies, giving them the opportunity to learn about renewable energy and local history.

Peter Smith, director of Chateau Beaumont, said Eastgate, in Weardale, would be an ideal location for the centre.

"The North-East, with its attractions and history, also offers wonderful opportunities for students and teachers to pursue and enhance their curriculum studies beyond the confines of the classroom.

"School children would also be able to enjoy a range of fun outdoor activities during their visit, offering a more rounded education and learning experience."

John Topliss, from the Weardale Task Force, said: "The proposed redevelopment of the Eastgate site as well as Peter's new centre would provide many benefits as well as secure a significant and wide variety of jobs for local people."