THE day the doors opened at the region's first national museum was one of the proudest moments in the lives of rail pioneer Timothy Hackworth's descendants.

About 20 relatives of the former Darlington and Stockton Railway engineer travelled from far and wide to witness the opening of the museum, which was inspired by the creative genius of Hackworth.

His great great-grandaughter, Jane Hackworth-Young, beamed as she and her relatives enjoyed seeing their ancestor's work finally being recognised.

She said: "I think this means a lot to us all because we were all brought up knowing about Timothy Hackworth and what he did.

"I do not think anybody realised just how important he was. In fact, you could say that he was the forgotten pioneer.

"I just wish my father was here. It has been a 30-plus-year endeavour to bring this to fruition and this is very exciting for me."

Plans for a road scheme in 1972 that would have cut through Hackworth's former home and the nearby coal drops could have spelled a very different future for Shildon.

But a campaign backed by Miss Hackworth-Young and her father ensured a piece of railway heritage was saved and started the journey that would end in the creation of the North-East's first national museum in Shildon.

Miss Hackworth-Young said: "Since Hackworth's home was opened up as a museum in 1975, people have gone back to original research and original documents and have discovered the enormous contribution he made to the steam locomotive and the railway system as a whole.

"I think he would be proud that he has been recognised at last."

Miss Hackworth-Young moved to the area to be near where railways were born and the home of her ancestor.

She has watched as the humble beginnings of the opening of his home developed into an amazing spectacular where rail enthusiasts and visitors will spend many an enjoyable day.

She was joined on Saturday by four of Hackworth's other great-great grandchildren: Joan Hackworth Weir; Mary de Boer; Georgiana de Lussy and Tom Young.

Mr Young, who travelled from Baildon, West Yorkshire, said: "There was no question of me missing today. I think this is absolutely fabulous. It is a lot different than when I was last here around three years ago.

"We are all very proud, but this is not only recognition for Timothy Hackworth. This is the recognition of steam and everything to do with it. It is about Shildon as well. This museum is very important to this little town."