AN innovative scheme to market rural village halls as conference facilities was launched this week.

The Conference in Teesdale project is being organised by the Teesdale Village Halls Consortium, to make businesses aware of the facilities available in each of the 29 community buildings in the area.

The consortium is able to provide equipment including laptop computers and overhead projectors for conference organisers.

Its marketing officer, Helen Thistlethwaite, said: "The consortium itself is quite an innovative idea, but this a totally new idea. Hopefully, it is something that will grow.

"We have marketed this to councils, community organisations and a number of businesses, and so far have had some good feedback.

"Each hall provides a range of different facilities and we can tailor them to people's needs."

Present at the launch of the project were Mary Matthews and Gerald Blake, from Romaldkirk Old School Rooms, who are hoping to join the consortium.

Ms Matthews said: "This is exactly what we need. It would be a fantastic resource to us, particularly in the advice it provides and the marketing."

Anyone who would like to find out more about the consortium or the Conference in Teesdale project can telephone (01833) 696650, or visit the website at www.tees dalehalls.co.uk.