THE tourism information centre in Darlington could soon be linked up to others in the area.

Northumbria Tourist Board is hoping to work with local authorities across the region to create a Northumbria Network of Tourism Information Centres (TICs).

The network would share resources and best practice to improve services to visitors.

Under the scheme Darlington would become one of a number of Gateway TICs which would offer services and information about the rest of the region.

A call centre would also be set up which would deal with visitors' queries if staff at tourism information centres were busy with other customers.

The Northumbria Tourist Board has submitted a bid to the English Tourism Council and hopes to apply for funding from regional development agency One NorthEast.

Councillor David Lyonette said: "This is a way to increase the number of visitors, repeat visitors and increase efficiency. The different offices would share good practice and other things such as buying supplies together."

The cabinet agreed to support the idea in principle.