TRAIN company Arriva has launched a campaign to encourage more people from Chester-le-Street to visit other towns in the region.

Any customers travelling in pairs will be offered a 50 per cent discount on their rail tickets from Chester-le-Street, to either Middlesbrough or Darlington.

As part of the offer, a return fare from Chester-le-Street to Middlesborough will cost £3.65 per person, as opposed to the usual fare of £7.30.

Alternatively, customers can travel to Darlington and back for £2.55.

Arriva Trains Northern director Peter Limbert reminded potential customers that travelling by train means not having problems with traffic or parking to contend with, and lets people have a drink without having to drive.

Anyone wanting more information on the campaign, which runs until July 20, should pick up a leaflet from Chester-le-Street Station.

Customers can look at the summer timetable online at www.arriva.co.uk or get information from stations operated by Arriva Trains Northern