A 1950s Northern Echo delivery van is now parked firmly in living history at Beamish museum. 

The Fordson van will now take pride of place as part of the 1950s village at Beamish after the Echo donated it to the county's jewel in the crown tourist attraction. 

The number 54 van was one of a fleet which used to deliver papers to shops and newsagents across Darlington and County Durham in the 50s and 60s.

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It was kept and maintained as part of the Echo archives and was used to visit shows and fayres across the region. 

It was kept at our Priestgate headquarters – but after discussions with Beamish – we thought it would make a fitting addition to living history of the museum and could be enjoyed by the many thousands of visitors. 

The van, which was already in good condition, has been now fully restored, polished, and painted to bring it back to its former glory. 

The Northern Echo: The Northern Echo van arrives at Beamish Museum pictured Editor Gavin Foster Editor of The Northern Echo and Russell Walker from Beamish Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe Northern Echo van arrives at Beamish Museum pictured Editor Gavin Foster Editor of The Northern Echo and Russell Walker from Beamish Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster officially handed over the keys to Beamish transport maintenance manager Russell Walker and road a vehicle technician Alan Taylor who will look after it. 

Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster added: “The vans are huge part of the Northern Echo’s history and heritage and this one has been lying under cover for too long.  

“What better way to have it preserved and also brought to life again in living history in amazing Beamish. 

“To know it can also be enjoyed by the many thousands of visitors to Beamish make it even more special and I know it is in safe hands.” 

The Northern Echo: The 1950s trucks outside The Northern Echo building in Darlington. Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe 1950s trucks outside The Northern Echo building in Darlington. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The van is now one of a fleet of historic vehicles restored and kept by Beamish – including a Darlington 1950s bus – which also has an old Northern Echo advert on the side. 

Paul Jarman, Assistant Director – Design, Transport and Industry at Beamish Museum, said: “It is very exciting to be able to add this Fordson van to the collection at Beamish, particularly as it wears such an iconic local livery. 

The Northern Echo: The Northern Echo van arrives at Beamish Museum Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe Northern Echo van arrives at Beamish Museum Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“We were delighted that the Northern Echo decided to entrust us with the van and we are sure our visitors will appreciate its local connections and vibrant appearance when it is out and about around the museum. It will fit well within our 1950s area, whose streets will make an ideal setting for a light commercial van like this.” 

Northern Echo editor Gavin Foster added: “The vans are huge part of the Northern Echo’s history and heritage and this one has been lying under cover for too long.  

“What better way to have it preserved and also brought to life again in living history in amazing Beamish. 

“To know it can also be enjoyed by the many thousands of visitors to Beamish make it even more special and I know it is in safe hands.” 

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