THE North-East's potential as a tourist destination is receiving help from an initiative aimed at improving the quality of stay that visitors enjoy.

A training scheme will ensure the tourism workforce is equipped to offer visitors the best possible welcome.

Covering the North-East region from Northumbria to the Tees Valley, the new Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) for inbound and domestic tourism will offer a range of courses covering every aspect of a visitors' stay. Northumberland College, the North East Chamber of Commerce and Northumberland Training Agency have joined forces to set up the UK's first public-private CoVE.

Angela Fairness, CoVE manager, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for the college. We welcome the opportunity to create better links with employers across the region."

Fiona Tuffs, NECC training development director, said: "This is about taking the people at the sharp end and giving them the skills to promote a good experience within the region."