FERRYHILL is trying to be upgraded to a main county town, which should give it greater access to funding.

Councillors in Ferryhill believe the town should have the same status as neighbours Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Shildon.

Durham County Council decides which are eligible for "main town" status and Ferryhill Town Council is to ask to be considered.

Executive officer Jamie Corrigan said: "It would have big implications for us if we were to be classed as a main town.

"There are nine main towns in the county and our population is greater than at least two of them.

"We have probably the biggest market in the county, we are the hub of most bus links, we have some industry and a large number of retail outlets."

Mr Corrigan said Ferryhill had recently missed out on the chance of a slice of a £2m grant for town centre refurbishments because it had to go to a main town - in that case Spennymoor.

Mr Corrigan is to approach the county council to find out the criteria for becoming a main town and put the case for Ferryhill.