THE varied attractions of County Durham are highlighted in a new holiday guide, designed to appeal to would-be visitors and the tourist trade.

The 80-page full colour County Durham Holiday Guide 2001, produced by the county council, will be seen at 11 holiday exhibitions in Britain, Ireland and across the Continent.

Twenty thousand copies have already been distributed to tourist information centres and libraries across the UK, while details will be posted to a global computer audience, via the Internet.

Bulk orders have also been sent to tourist authority offices in Scandinavia, Holland and Canada, while representatives from the county plan to back up the guide by word of mouth at holiday exhibitions in Britain, Holland and the US.

Council leader Don Robson said it is worth the effort, as £200m's worth of business is generated by tourism in County Durham. The tourist trade, supported by the Land of the Prince Bishops tag, is estimated to directly support 7,000 jobs in the county.

"Last year, the number of direct requests for the holiday guide went up by 33 per cent, and I look forward to a continuing increase in these figures for 2001," said Councillor Robson.

A recent survey revealed that 47 per cent of people requesting a copy of the guide followed up by visiting the county last year.

The guide features visitor attractions, details of short break holidays and a list of more than 300 places to stay.

Copies of the brochure can be requested by ringing the 24-hour holiday guide hotline, on 0191-383 3354