AN unlikely North-East destination could soon be on the holiday map thanks to a TV show.

Next week, BBC's Holiday 2001 will feature a report from Hartlepool alongside more glamorous visits to Bologna and Mexico City.

Although Hartlepool is popular with day-trippers, the programme will attempt to sell it as a full-blown tourist resort suitable for much more than a 24-hour stay.

Television presenter Holly Samo visited Hartlepool last year for a week of filming which has been cut to a ten- minute slot on next Tuesday's show.

During the crew's stay they visited the award-winning Historic Quay, the marina, museums, and art gallery.

Jo Cole, the council's tourism officer said: "This is publicity the council simply could not buy. There are going to be millions of viewers tuning in and it will hopefully give the town a big boost.

"The fact the BBC's holiday programme is featuring Hartlepool demonstrates just how far the town has come in tourism terms in the past few years."

During the programme, Holly will be seen trying her hand at fishing for mackerel and sunbathing on the town's beaches which have won awards for their cleanliness.

The show will be transmitted on BBC1 at 7pm next Tuesday.