Darlington restaurants are not taking advantage of a free guide about where to eat in the town.

Darlington Borough Council's Tourism staff have been contacting every eating establishment in the town offering them the opportunity of a free page in the guide about the business.

However, Claire Boston- Smithson, the council's tourism and heritage officer, said that only 32 restaurants had taken up the offer.

She said: "Unfortunately, we're struggling to get people to take a page in it, even though it's free.

"It will be an A5 page in full colour and we've even paid for the photographs."

Ms Boston-Smithson said tourism staff would call the restaurants two or three times but would have to print the booklet with only those who replied.

Others will have their name and telephone number listed.