THE best of County Durham will be illuminated and celebrated at a showcase event in London tomorrow (Tuesday, February 4).

Hosted by Business Durham, the business arm of Durham County Council, the reception, at the House of Commons, is a one-off opportunity to highlight the county’s growing connection with light.

It follows the success of the Lumiere festival in Durham City last November and highlights the growing cluster of companies involved in the science of light, imaging, optics and photonics that have made the county their home.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration at Durham County Council, said: “We are literally turning the light on County Durham and celebrating our success to date with a view to attracting even more business.

“The spectacular Lumiere festival, which returned for the third time in 2013, attracted some 175,000 visitors and lit up Durham’s buildings, streets and open spaces, strengthening our connection with light.

“This reception is a chance for our many businesses, some of whom were involved in Lumiere, to showcase the county and celebrate its continued success.”

The reception will include representatives from Business Durham, Durham County Council, Visit County Durham, associated businesses and Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson.

Organisations to be showcased include Compound Photonics in Newton Aycliffe, Durham University, Thorn Lighting in Spennymoor and the Centre for Process Innovation and PolyPhotonix, at NETPark, in Sedgefield.

Lumiere is an Artichoke production that was commissioned by Durham County Council.