DEVELOPERS say a hotel and golf complex near a town could help it become one of the region's leading tourist destinations.

The plan by developer Primula to build a 120-bedroom hotel and 18-hole golf course near Barnard Castle, County Durham, could bring millions of pounds into the local economy.

Primula said Teesdale was chosen as the location for the complex because there were no developments like it in the area.

A spokesman said: "There is nothing around quite like it for about 100 miles. You almost have to go to the Lake District for anything quite like it.

"This is a really good area and a great environment and this should really put Barnard Castle on the map."

As well as the accommodation in the hotel, the complex also aims to attract people into the area for spa days and the leisure facilities.

Locals will also be able to become members and use the leisure facilities and golf course.

The hotel development has been cautiously welcomed by community leaders.

Bill Oldfield, the chairman of Teesdale Marketing, a not-for-profit group set up to encourage tourism in the dale, said: "From a personal perspective, I would have thought anything that brings people into Teesdale and allows them to stay is a good thing.

"I would be very pleased to see any such development that is sympathetic to the area, and it is important that it is sympathetic to the area.

"We have some of the very best bed and breakfasts in Teesdale, but we do lack hotel accommodation."

Councillor Newton Wood, a district councillor for Barnard Castle, said: "I think it is a wonderful idea. It is a development which is going to attract people into the area.

"It does need to meet planning rules and regulations, but if it does, it is going to be wonderful for Barnard Castle.

"The town has got a shortage of that type of accommodation, particularly with big companies like Glaxo bringing people in.

"If you have got a busload of people, it is very difficult to accommodate them.

"If this is properly marketed, this will let people come here in busloads."

The hotel will be on the site of a Second World War Army camp that has been demolished, although the roadways remain.

The camp passed into the possession of Durham County Council after the War Department had no use for it.

The council sold it to local landowners John and George Richardson on the condition it was used for leisure.

In 1991, the brothers were given planning permission for a 28-room hotel and golf course at Humbleton.

This was followed in 1992 by approval for 73 holiday chalets.

However, in 2001, John Richardson said the plans had to be postponed after the foot-and-mouth crisis cost them thousands of pounds.