A HAUNTED bed and breakfast is combining its old surroundings with the latest technology to attract tourists from around the world.

The Elizabethan-era B&B in Barnard Castle, County Durham, known as Number 34, has set up a website which can be translated into French, German and Italian to attract more international visitors.

Number 34 - and an annexe called "Cheeseboroughs" which is a restored 17th Century weaver's house - are collectively a thriving B&B business set up by Ian and Eva Reid three years ago.

Despite attracting attention by making Which? Magazine's top 20 bed and breakfasts, and securing Les Routiers' best B&B in the North-East award, it was the websites that made the difference.

"Conveying the unique experience of staying in the B&B is difficult in traditional publicity, but the websites have given us the opportunity to show how unusual the rooms and surroundings are," said Mr Reid. "The websites are really the best thing we've ever done.

"We're averaging 700 hits a day and now 20 per cent of our business is via the web."

Mr Reid was helped by Business Link to set up the sites.

He said: "This part of the North-East has had a lower profile than many other areas which is why the web is a great way to spread the word around the world and promote the area and the business."

Visitors are also being attracted by the B&B's resident ghost George, who is still sticking around despite the increase in visitors.

"A few visitors have seen him, but he doesn't bother us and he seems quite happy," he said.

Charlotte O'Byrne, account manager with Business Link at Teesdale Enterprise Agency, said tourism organisations are ideal for this kind of Business Link support.

She said: "Ian and Eva's business demonstrates that well-designed websites are an excellent, cost-effective marketing tool. I encourage every organisation in Teesdale to seriously consider taking their business online or to revisit existing websites to ensure they are promoting the right image and key messages about their organisation.

"We are here to support enterprising people and we want them to contact us for information, advice and funding to help them grow their businesses online."

To contact your local Business Link, call 0845 600 9006.