A total of 3,853 visitors have already been drawn to Auckland Tower, in the town's Market Place, to see the new structure.

The tower, which opened in October, is the first port of call for visitors to The Auckland Project.

Visitors are greeted by the Visitor Experience Team, which is a mixture of staff and volunteers from Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area. They are on hand to offer a warm welcome and ensure all visitors enjoy their time at The Auckland Project and the town.

In the months leading up to the tower’s opening, the 31-strong team received more than 200 hours of specialist training to fulfil the role.

Members of the Visitor Experience Team are on hand to point out key landmarks and offer insight into the County Durham landscape to those taking in the sights from Auckland Tower’s 15-metre high viewing platform.

Inside, the Tower’s first floor display tells the early history of the Prince Bishops of Durham and their former home, Auckland Castle.

Visitors are able to learn about special seasonal events and activities and purchase tickets to all elements of The Auckland Project, an arts, faith and heritage destination being developed in Bishop Auckland.

• Tickets to climb to Auckland Tower’s viewing platform are now available daily, priced at £3 for adults and £1 for those under 16. Admission to the tower is also included in the price of a ticket to Mining Art Gallery. For more information visit aucklandproject.org

​