FOOT-and-mouth disease may still be rife in the countryside, but there is still plenty to do in the North-East.

The Northern Echo asked three advertising agencies to design posters to tell tourists the region is open for business.

The Creative Type, which is based in Durham City, came up with an address for the region: 24-7 The North-East, England. It emphasises that the region is open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Keith Palmer, creative director, said: "The 'open' graphic and bright green and yellow colouring aims to reinforce spring and new growth, with a statement that simply says 'open'."

The graphic is very simplistic and lends itself to all types of promotional material, from posters and Press adverts to the Internet."

Robson Brown, based in Newcastle, submitted designs drawn up for Northumbria Tourist Board.

The posters and Press advertisements urge people to get Out and About in the North, while still respecting the areas restricted because of foot-and-mouth.

Richard Spencer, head of marketing services at the board, said: "Despite the effects of foot-and-mouth on livestock farming, vast areas of our beautiful coast and countryside remain open for business.

"It's important for the whole region that the public know where they can go and what they can do."

Newcastle agency Different used images of the North-East's historic countryside.

Chris Rickaby, creative director, said: "The countryside hasn't got any less beautiful and we wanted to show that, along with a plea to tourists to come and enjoy it despite the present conditions.

"A national campaign to get people back into the countryside would have made a lot of sense, especially when you think how much money the tourism industry is losing.

"The Government should have had a campaign encouraging people to look before they go abroad and spend their money in other countries."

Prime Minister Tony Blair examined the campaigns when he visited The Northern Echo in Darlington last week.

Mr Blair, who has urged people not to desert the countryside, said he was impressed by the proposals.

"The important thing to do is get across the message that there is still plenty to do," he said.