IT might not have the same ambience as the Seine, the Loire or the Danube, but tourism bosses are hoping the River Tees could soon become a symbol of romance.

A cruise is just one of the initiatives being offered as part of a romantic break which will highlight the river as the perfect destination for lovers.

"Some people might laugh and we could have done this as a joke but, the fact is, we really can back this up," said Julia Frater, tourism manager at Tees Valley Tourism Bureau.

Experts believe the Tees has much to offer and have already identified 69 passion points along three of its stretches. "We want holidays here to become inspiration, once-in-a-lifetime, must-do experiences and a match for world-famous rivers," she said.

The first section takes in its upper section and passion points include High Force waterfall, the 12th Century Egglestone Abbey and Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle.

The second stretch, from Darlington to Stockton, highlights the area's railway heritage and also offers a cruise from Stockton to Yarm, taking in the Tees Barrage.

Romantic stop-offs along the third section, the Estuary, include Hartlepool's Historic Quay with the UK's oldest ship, the Trincomalee.

As part of the big sell, Tees Valley Tourism attempts to attract visitors with the following description of the Tees: "Be seduced by the wild frenzy of its upper reaches. Succumb to the temptations of its meandering middle section (le wiggle). Delight in the sensual rhythms of the Tees in its prime ... surging through the Barrage and on towards the horizon."

However some lovers may smile at the publicity about one "passion point" - the heavily industrial Transporter Bridge at Middlesbrough.

For more information about £90 romantic breaks on the 100-mile Tees log on to: www.sexyteesvalley.com and www.riverteesfantasy.com