A VISION of Darlington as a major regional centre will be presented to a conference of business leaders in the town today.

More than 120 guests will attend the Darlington Development Showcase at the Viewpoint business suite, in Northgate House.

The event is aimed at highlighting Darlington as the Gateway to the Tees Valley and encouraging more developers to invest in the borough.

Speakers will include Hugh Lang, managing director of Teesside International Airport, Alan Clarke, One NorthEast chief executive, and John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council.

The conference will give visitors a sneak preview of plans for the £45m Commercial Street shopping centre, which has now been approved by the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister.

They will also be told about discussions on other developments, including West Park, the town centre pedestrianisation scheme and Morton Palms business park.

Councillor Williams said: "This showcase illustrates the vision, ambition and confidence of the many public and private sector organisations in the future economic prosperity of the borough.

"It is our vision for Darlington to become a major regional centre, where companies looking for somewhere to relocate will find an excellent business infrastructure."