THERE are times when it is right for newspapers to criticise councils. Our role is to keep them on their toes, scrutinise the way they spend our money, and ensure they are giving value to the people they serve.

But it is also right to give credit where it is due - and it is certainly due in the case of Locomotion: National Railway Museum in Shildon.

As the region's newest tourist attraction was officially opened by the Prime Minister yesterday, tributes were paid to Sedgefield District Council.

The authority was described by Lord Waldegrave, chairman of the Trustees of the National Museum of Science and Industry, as being a joy to work with.

The council's vision in capitalising on Shildon's heritage as "the cradle of the railways" is already paying off, with the number of visitors already exceeding targets.

People from all over the world are heading for Shildon because it has something very special to offer, and it will continue to be an attraction for years to come.

Those who turned such an unlikely dream into reality deserve all the credit in the world.