A CHARITY ball staged at the North-East's first national museum has paved the way for more events of its kind.

Sedgefield Borough Council's annual Mayor's ball was such a success that chiefs at Locomotion: National Railway Museum, in Shildon, County Durham, are hoping to promote the multi-million pound facility as a venue for private functions.

Some of the nation's finest railway engines provided an unusual backdrop for the event, organised to boost funds for The Butterwick Hospice.

Museum boss George Muirhead said: "I think we were all delighted that the Deltic Ball was held here, because not only was it the Mayor's charity event, it was a lovely evening and we all enjoyed ourselves.

"We are already taking bookings from local groups and organisations who are wanting to use the museum for events and functions.''

It is also hoped that the event has given the partnership of Sedgefield Borough Council and the National Railway Museum a chance to show visitors that it is worthy of one of Britain's biggest art prizes.

Locomotion has been shortlisted for the Gulbenkian prize for museum of the year, and judges are expected to visit the museum early next month.

Councillor Marie Predki, Sedgefield Borough Council's Mayor, said: "We need to get people to log on to the Gulbenkian website to show their support for the museum."

The address for the website is www.thegulben kianprize.org.uk