VISITORS from the North-West have been checking out the attractions of Durham City.

About 30 people who organise group trips for organisations such as Women's Institutes and Probus Clubs, were given a whirlwind fact-finding tour of the city and surrounding area yesterday.

They were brought to the city by tour operator David Urquhart Travel, to size up the city for its potential as a trip destination.

In March, the Durham Markets Company and Crook Hall, the city's medieval manor house, and the Prince Bishops River Cruiser launched a drive to encourage more coach parties to the city.

The visit, organised with Corbridge-based tourism specialist Steve Reed Tourism, was the first to spring from that initiative.

The visitors saw attractions including the cathedral, the cruiser and the indoor market.

Markets company managing director Colin Wilkes said: "It is all part of trying to attract as many different groups to Durham as we possibly can.''

He said he hoped the visit would lead to an increase in trips from the M62 corridor, helping to boost the local economy.