Middleton Plus, which promotes events in Upper Teesdale, will hold a Roof of England Winter Walks day in February, which organisers hope will promote tourism after the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Upper Teesdale was badly hit by a drop in visitor numbers during the epidemic.

For many years the Roof of England Walks event has been held in June and this summer the walks coincided with the Queen's golden jubilee celebrations.

Judith Mashiter, development trust manager for Middleton Plus, said: "One of the reasons Middleton Plus was involved was the hope that the event would attract extra visitors to stay in the dale.

"After the event, one of comments we received from some accommodation providers was that they were already fully booked for that weekend anyway and so didn't experience any added benefit.

"In an effort to extend the season, we are piloting a Roof of England Winter Walks day in February, and the weather in February couldn't be much wetter than it was on June 2."

The event will feature a choice of four walks, led by local experts, ranging from five to ten miles, with the shorter walks for families.

Middleton Plus will also put on soup and sandwiches for walkers in Mickleton and Newbiggin village halls.

The event will take place on February 16.

Further details about the event are available from Middleton-in-Teesdale Tourist Information Centre, on (01833) 641001.