A TOWN whose efforts to get back on its feet sparked The Northern Echo's Shopping For a Future Campaign is boosting its image with the launch of a website.

Bishop Auckland Town Centre has gone online with a site which will promote events and businesses in the area.

Yesterday, the site was officially launched by Nigel Griffiths, Under-Secretary of State for Small Businesses when he visited an exhibition at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

Mr Griffiths, with Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster, was also able to meet owners of both new and well-established businesses that were showcasing their talents at the exhibition aimed at promoting small businesses which provide technology-based products and services.

The exhibition and the launch of the website are part of a marketing campaign launched last year to put Bishop Auckland back on the map.

Town centre manager Derek Toon said: "Walker Hall Associates who designed the website have done a fantastic job. It is far better than I expected it to be.

"I am particularly pleased that it complies with the Disability Discrimination Act and that care has been taken to ensure that it has been made as accessible as possible for disabled users, such as those with a visual impairment.

"Also, the way it has been set up means that I can add updates to it straightaway from my office and I can get news out about the town more quickly."

The website features the history of Bishop Auckland and highlights places of interest in and around the town where people can visit.

It also has a business directory to promote businesses in the town with links to individual websites, such as Auckland Castle.

It is hoped that it will be accessed from all over the world as well as being used as a tool to serve residents and the business community in and around the town.

Mr Griffiths said: "I am pleased to be able to launch such an exciting website.

"It will allow people to find out exactly what's going on in this area.

"I would like to congratulate everybody who has been involved and I will continue to follow its progress with great interest."