A DISCOUNT card for some of the region's leading attractions has been launched.

The birds resident at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, in Washington, Wearside, provided the backdrop for the launch of this year's Powerpass card.

Now in its sixth year, the initiative between Northern Electric and Northumbria Tourist Board entitles people to two-for-one discounts at participating venues, for the £1 cost of a card.

All proceeds raised before the closing date of December 31 will go towards radio station Century FM's chosen Community Trust charities.

The Wildlife and Wetlands Trust has taken part in the scheme every year so far.

It is joined this year by Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, the dli Museum and Durham Art Gallery, the Blue Reef Aquarium at Tynemouth, and Middlesbrough's Captain Cook Birthplace Museum.

Julian Kenyon, Northern Electric's public affairs manager, said: "After the many adversities facing last year's campaign, we are all hopeful that Powerpass 2002 will have a real chance to raise some much-needed funds for local charities."

Cards can be bought from Northern Electric showrooms and tourist information centres across the region.