THOUSANDS of balloons will be released next week to mark the opening of a business centre.

The Novus Business Centre, on Peterlee's North-West Industrial Estate, will be opened next Thursday by the chairwoman of One NorthEast, Margaret Fay.

Easington District Council, which is behind the venture, joined forces with East Durham Business Service (EDBS) to establish the centre, which is hailed as playing a key role in the regeneration of the area.

Funding and support has also been provided by the Single Programme (One NorthEast), the European Regional Development Fund and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Nine units have been taken at the complex, which boasts a range of facilities, including 31 offices, conference and meeting rooms, car parking, high security, catering services and high- speed internal access.

Through Novus-based EDBS, free business support is available to anyone hoping to start their own business, seek marketing advice or develop their business in the Easington district.

Businesses based at the centre include a recruitment agency, training organisation, two web developers, a mortgage broker, an energy broker and Event Cover, a company which trains staff for events in disciplines from backstage to lighting.

Alan Napier, leader of Easington council, said: "Novus Business Centre was built to provide affordable, contemporary office accommodation for businesses in the heart of the Peterlee business community.

"We are looking forward to welcoming more businesses to this facility.''