THE launch of Chester-le-Street's Civic Heart was marked with a weekend of festivities and activities.

District council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson officiated at the newly-refurbished market place and the Civic Heart, home to the largest public work of art in County Durham, the Arch, which was made accessible for the first time.

After unveiling a time capsule containing items from schools across the district, there was entertainment, including music, Irish dancers, fun rides, face painters and a prize draw.

Coun Ebbatson said: "Today is an historic occasion. We are celebrating what is old and new, the past and the future and the young and old.

"The new market place tells the story of Chester-le-Street. Lighting in the pavement will reflect the stream running underneath - the Cong Burn, which is an ancient Celtic name from before the Romans.

"The paving itself incorporates the St Cuthbert's Cross, and the seats around the square are in memory of four mines which shaped the surrounding villages."

Joining in the festivities were residents Mary Bewick, 98, and Norah Blumfield, 92, who expressed their delight at the Civic Heart.

Council chief executive Roy Templeman said: "It is wonderful to see this project come to fruition and to see the quality materials that have been used.

"The area will be used as a stage for all sorts of activities, festivities and celebrations that will benefit Chester-le-Street and the surrounding area.

"There is a confidence within the retail sector of Chester-le-Street that we are now starting to regenerate.

Mr Templeman said a festival group had been formed, with representatives from all walks of life, to discuss a programme of festivals and activities throughout the year.

He said: "We want to see something new and refreshing, that comes on a regular basis, to add to what we hope will be a strong market."

Artist Jo Fairfax, who designed the Arch, said: "It has taken seven years of work. It's great to see it, as well as all the people using the seats. Having people milling about just makes it."

The regeneration of the market place, the development of the Civic Heart and refurbishment of Mile House - formerly the Mechanics' Institute - has cost £2.5m. More than 60 per cent of the cost was from external funding. The Arch cost £334,000.