TRAVEL writers from around the country enjoyed a visit to Wear Valley earlier this week aimed at boosting visitors to the region.

More than a dozen journalists and broadcasters spent two days discovering what the area has to offer.

After their arrival on Sunday afternoon, they visited attractions such Harperley PoW camp and Auckland Castle, and saw the first-ever World Cup in West Auckland.

They also visited pubs and hotels for meals, including the Grand Hotel in Bishop Auckland, where they sampled ales from the micro brewery.

The writers also visited Killhope Lead Mining Museum before returning home.

The event was commissioned by Wear Valley District Council and co-ordinated by Corbridge-based Steve Reed Tourism Ltd.

Mr Reed said: "It is to put Weardale on the tourism radar. Money is being invested in promoting the North-East and we want to be very much part of what is happening."

The organisers hope that the writers will report positively on their visit to the area and therefore encourage their readers to try it for themselves.

The writers appeared to be impressed despite the drab weather.

Dave McFadzean, who writes for titles including Countryman magazine and The People's Friend, said: "It's been really good. I'm thinking about doing a piece on the churches we have been to see.

"I think a few articles will come out of the World Cup in West Auckland.

"There's just not enough time to see everything," he added.