A PLAY at a Darlington museum has been teaching pupils about the region's railway heritage.

Children in years two and three from schools in the Tees Valley and Durham have been watching performances of It's Not Rocket Science at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum.

The Pluto Theatre company performs the play about a man travelling to London for a Pop Idol audition.

On his way he is transported back through time to an era before the age of the railways. He meets George Stephenson and other figures who debate the impact of the railways.

Angela Brockbank, railway heritage project officer, said: "The children have really enjoyed the play, we've tried to make it funny for them.

"The children see what happens if there wasn't railways, for example they meet a man who can only eat a pig's trotter because he can't get any fresh fruit.

"It also explores the impact of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and it fits in with the school curriculum."

Published: 23/10/2004