A TOWN is bracing itself for the official opening of a multi-million pound railway museum today.

A key Government figure will visit Shildon, County Durham, this afternoon to declare Locomotion: National Railway Museum open.

The museum will be closed to the public between 10am and 3pm for the celebration, which will see dignitaries from throughout Sedgefield borough gather with volunteers and representatives from groups in Shildon to celebrate the start of a new era in Shildon's association with the railways.

Spout Lane, in the town, will be closed from the Middridge junction to the end of the railway bridge from about 8am today in preparation for the gathering. It will re-open sometime this afternoon.

There will also be parking restrictions in Dale Road and the nearby Dabble Duck Industrial Estate.

Historic steam locomotive the Duchess of Sutherland will carry guests from York to the opening, providing a spectacular sight when she arrives at Shildon Station.

Museum manager George Muirhead said: "Although the museum will be closed for the official opening it will re-open after 3pm to the public.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the guests and also to seeing the Duchess of Sutherland roll up to the museum in full steam.

"It will be a magnificent sight and many enthusiasts are as excited about seeing this particular engine as they are about seeing the Flying Scotsman.''

Published: 22/10/2004