Darlington Borough Council has been named as the region's "Best for Business" by the North East-Chamber of Commerce.

The award recognised the support the council provided to existing businesses and its pro-active approach to raising the profile of the town as an attractive location for business investment.

Working closely with the private and public sectors, the council has played a strategic role in developing key business sites in the borough, at Morton Palms and Faverdale East business park, helping to attract high-profile organisations such as Argos Direct to the area and creating hundreds of jobs.

Coun David Lyonette, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "We have a hardworking and committed team here in Darlington. The team has worked with all its partners throughout the year on projects that are now coming to fruition and will see a lot of inward investment that will benefit not just Darlington, but the region as a whole."

The chamber's annual award recognises the commitment of the region's local authorities to business development, with nominees undergoing a range of checks and tests designed to examine their responses and skills relating to business development and support services.

As well as assessing councils' overall approachability and efficiency, the checks cover methods of communication, special projects for business and funding opportunities.

"The standard of entries was particularly high, but Darlington stood out for its dynamic approach towards the development of new businesses opportunities," said George Cowcher, chief executive of NECC.

"The council has taken the lead in developing a sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of existing businesses at the same time as playing a vital role in attracting new investment to the area."

The award was presented to Coun Lyonette at the NECC agm at Ramside Hall, Durham.