A NEW heritage tale taking in the architectural treasures of a North Durham town will be launched at the weekend.

The unveiling of the Chester-le-Street Heritage Trail, which is the culmination of a three-year project, highlights 39 points of interest in and around the town centre.

A facsimile of the Lindisfarne Gospels will also be on display in the Parish Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert.

Chester-le-Street Heritage Group secretary Edna Stokoe said: "The idea was to try to put some civic pride back into the town, and in doing so ensure that Chester-le-Street took its rightful place in history.

"It is hoped that the trail, along with our copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels, will be of interest to townsfolk and visitors."

The trail, to be officially launched outside the town's Civic Centre at 3.30pm on Saturday, has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Chester-le-Street District Council, and by more than 80 individuals and groups who helped in purchasing a facsimile of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

Points of historic interest include well-known landmarks, such as the Mechanics Institute and the Viaduct, and lesser known buildings such as The Grove and 61 Front Street. Each point of interest is accessible to wheelchairs.

As part of the ceremony, a specially-commissioned flag will be raised for the first time by Mrs Stokoe and Audrey Watson of the heritage group. The flag includes the trail emblem, alongside the logos of the council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Those walking the trail will be directed by silver coins, laid into floors and pavements along the route. Supporting this are fingerpost signs, information boards and leaflets to direct and inform visitors.

Durham County Council commissioned a special information board - one of seven - on the remains of the Roman Fort. A model of the fort, created by pupils and teachers from Park View School, will be displayed in the Civic Centre.

The trail's creation was overseen by a steering group with representatives from the council, Chester-le-Street's Heritage Group, Rotary Club, Ankers House Museum, the local Traders' Association, and individuals, such as the Chester-le-Street Station Master and retired teachers.

Steve McCormick, Chester-le-Street and Sacriston's commercial manager and the group's project manager, said: "The group consisted of quite a diverse number of organisations and interests, but everyone worked very hard and was very supportive of each other in achieving its goal of bringing the trail to fruition."

* Before the official launch people are invited to participate in an inaugural guided walk from the Civic Centre at 2pm.