PLANS to finally acknowledge the unique role a North-East town played in the history of the railway have been revealed to The Northern Echo.

The proposals have been outlined after two railway historians called for a investigation into Stockton Borough Council for failing to properly acknowledge the town's heritage.

It is hoped a permanent display about the world's first passenger railway will be opened at Preston Hall Museum, at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

Another proposal is to display a recently made replica of the world's first passenger train, Locomotion No1, in Stockton.

Both ideas have been put forward by Railway Heritage Project officer Angela Brockbank, who is employed by Darlington, Sedgefield, Durham County and Stockton councils to encourage railway tourism.

She has acknowledeed that while Shildon has a new £10m railway museum, Beamish a working replica of Locomotion No1 and Darlington the original engine, Stockton has very little railway heritage on show.

She said: "Initially, the idea was for me promote the area to tourists but there isn't much for people to actually see in Stockton, although there is part of the original track outside Preston Hall Museum."

The Railway Heritage Project recently bid for £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a number of projects, including the idea to create a permanent exhibition at Preston Hall.

Meanwhile, Stockton railway enthusiasts Michael Taylor, a founder member of A1 Project which recreates classic steam trains, and Bob Harbron, editor of the Norton Heritage local history magazine, want an outside body to investigate whether Stockton council neglected the town's heritage.

Mr Taylor said that at least 50,000 visitors a year could be attracted to Stockton if a railway museum was built.

Mr Harbron said: "What was achieved here with the world's first passenger railway is one of the world's most important events. It is a disgrace the council has done nothing."

A council spokesman said: "We are actively looking to develop our service to promote Stockton's railway history and heritage, both for the borough and the region, by working closely with the Railway Heritage Project.

"The Museums and Tourism officers are working with the rail heritage officer to source funding and develop displays at Preston Hall and Green Dragon museums and promote the rich history of the region's railway heritage."