A TOURIST attraction showcasing the region's railway heritage has launched a bid for funding.

Darlington Railway Centre and Museum could be revitalised if applications for grants from three organisations are successful.

The venue has applied for nearly £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £200,000 from English Heritage and £125,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust.

Bosses hope the grants will be approved by the end of the year and work can then start on modernising the museum, which is just off North Road.

The funding would be used to create more interactive, family-friendly exhibits to encourage more people to visit the museum - particularly children.

There are also plans to create a cartoon character to promote the museum and its attractions - including Stephenson's Locomotion No 1 engine - to younger visitors.

David Lyonette, Darlington Borough Council economic regeneration spokesman, said: "The plans which are being worked on will transform the railway centre and museum, and make it an exciting and attractive place for the whole family to visit.

"Once the funding has been confirmed, work can start to make changes to what the museum has to offer."

In the meantime, work will begin next week to repair the museum's roof, thanks to a grant of £490,000 from the council.

The repairs will take place on a rain-damaged roof and the north train shed, above the live railway line.

Internal repairs will also take place in the ticket office and education centre.

The work is expected to take 12 to 14 weeks to complete, during which time the museum will stay open.

On June 25 and 26, a Go Loco family weekend is being held at the museum, with attractions including drama, arts and storytelling.

The museum lies on the route of the original 1825 Stockton to Darlington railway line.

Published: 10/05/2006