A COLLECTION of maps created by local teacher, cricketer and folk musician Bob Hattersley has gone on display.

More than 20 maps drawn by Mr Hattersley, from Darlington, have been exhibited for the first time in Darlington in the Centre for Local Studies in Crown Street Library.

Among the collection is a map detailing the founding of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and one showing the influence of the Quaker movement.

The extent of Mr Hattersley’s collection of maps and his interest in historical research came to light when he died in December 2010.

As a member of local folk band Forum, Mr Hattersley and fellow band member Allen Miller researched a number of local characters and events which Mr Miller turned into songs.

Mr Hattersley used the information and his cartographical skills to produce a number of detailed Wainwright-style maps to record the history of the area.

His work also goes further afield, providing insights into place names in the three Dales -Swaledale, Teesdale and Wensleydale - and also of the mining work which brought wealth to the areas. There is also work on Gainford, Stanwick, Middleton Tyas , Richmond, Sockburn and the Lyke Wake Walk.

Mr Hattersley’s friend and colleague Jim Jack said: “Visitors will be riveted by the detail offered as well as marvelling at the skill and patience required to convert history into such an attractive format.”

The maps will be on show in the Centre for Local Studies in Darlington Library until Saturday, June 8.