INTERNET surfers from around the world are focusing on Darlington through webcams at a new college site.

More than 2,000 hits have already been recorded by the Darlington College of Technology's website from the UK, Asia, Australasia and America.

Viewers can watch the new £34.5m Haughton Road centre rise brick by brick thanks to two webcams that update progress every ten seconds.

The groundwork of the 70-acre development is complete and the shells of the buildings have been built. It is due to open in August next year.

It will include a childcare centre, sports and leisure, a restaurant and hair and beauty salons. There will also be a new university centre offering further and higher education qualifications. "It really is compulsive viewing," said the college's multi-media manager Dave Noble.

"It's a flurry of yellow hats at the moment and we are hoping to keep the cameras in place even after the new college opens next year. It will be really great to see the hustle and bustle of student life."