AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled for a multi-million pound exotic animal sanctuary in the North-East.

Tigers, lions, crocodiles, birds of prey and primates are some of the species that will be catered for at the new Exotic Animal Welfare Trust before they are re-homed.

The development is planned for a 22-acre site at Boundary Farm on the A68, just outside Tow Law, County Durham. The £5m scheme is the brainchild of herpetologist Peter Heathcote, who runs the Reptile Trust at Burnopfield.

Mr Heathcote hopes the sanctuary will be up and running by late summer if his application for planning permission is successful. He says he will lease the property long-term.

"It will be the largest rehoming sanctuary of its kind in the country with a heavy emphasis on education," he said.

"It will be good for the community, and good for the trust because it enables us to grow. We are also planning to set up a fleet of animal ambulances."

Mr Heathcote said the existing reptile trust would be absorbed into the Exotic Animal Welfare Trust, a new charity being registered by the trustees.

The trust already has close links with the RSPCA, Customs and Excise and police.

Mr Heathcote said: "Because of the harsh winters the animals will have indoor pens, which will be built in stone to blend in with the environment."

Wear Valley District Council development head David Townsend said: "We have been looking at getting some tourist attraction in the district. This will be welcomed by councillors."