LEVELS of exhaust pollutant oxides of nitrogen in Barnard Castle's Horsemarket are well within recommended limits.

The survey followed a similar one to measure particulates on The Bank.

It was conducted during the worst three months of the winter, head of environmental health Howard Stainthorpe told members of Teesdale District Council community services committee yesterday.

"The results of monitoring for oxides of nitrogen confirm the conclusion that this pollutant is within nationally recommended guidelines," he said.

He said his department planned to continue the exercises and would also monitor for benzene levels, which were also expected to be quite low.

Councillor John Salter said the information gathered could be used to promote tourism in Teesdale by highlighting air quality.