Bishop Auckland town centre now has its very own dedicated website.

The site has been launched by the Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum, a voluntary partnership of public, private and voluntary sector organisations which aims to improve the town centre as the first choice destination for people throughout South Durham.

The new website at www. bishopaucklandtown.org will promote the town centre to the region, but also to both a national and international audience.

It is hoped the site will raise the profile of the town centre and make a wider audience aware of the services and attractions of Bishop Auckland.

The website has received financial support from the Barclay's Rural Regeneration Fund, which was set up to help communities overcome the effects of foot-and-mouth disease.

Bishop Auckland town centre manager Ken Wilson said: "The website for the town centre will be a useful tool to promote Bishop Auckland regionally, nationally and even internationally."