A SOUTH Durham town could be named the most enterprising town in Britain when the winners of a national competition are announced tomorrow.

Volunteers from Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum's marketing group have boosted business and increased community spirit by organising an events programme which attracts thousands of visitors a year.

The group were crowned North-East winners of this year's Enterprising Britain contest, earning a £35,000 prize for the Four Clocks Youth Project.

Winning the national title, at Lloyds of London, would take them forward to the European Enterprise Awards in November.

In July, the group gave judges a tour of the town, showing how they promote Bishop Auckland as a place to work, live and visit.

The panel talked to traders, community groups and schools about the benefits brought by the programme, which includes a motor show, a Forties weekend, Proms in the Park, a Christmas lights procession and a food festival that attracted more than 23,000 people in April.

Since a low point in 2004, when the Wear Valley was rated the most deprived rural district in England, the number of empty shops has fallen from 64 to 20, some national retailers have moved in or expanded and footfall and spending have improved.

Sue Snowdon, chairwoman of the marketing group, said: "To be representing this part of the world in such a prestigious competition is amazing.

"It shows what can be achieved by people working together."

Michael Laing, the district council's chief executive, said: "They are a wonderful group. What they have achieved from a very low base is fantastic.

"They bring skills that the council doesn't have and reach people that we can't reach and we really appreciate their efforts."

Tim Pain, head of enterprise and business support at One NorthEast, said: "The Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum were worthy winners of the North-East Enterprising Britain award and we think they've got what it takes to succeed at national and even European level.

"We'll be wishing them all the best on the night and keeping our fingers crossed for the right result."