A VICTORIAN spa has been restored to its former glory after vandals wrecked the 150-year-old relic.

Villagers are hoping to have signs put in place to attract more people to the site and make it a tourist draw.

Gainford's riverside spa was the focal point of the village, which lies between Darlington and Barnard Castle, during the Victorian era and had been preserved until last year.

It was ruined, however, when vandals pulled off the upper stone bowl, which was later found dumped in the river.

Angered residents in the area set up a committee to raise funds to have it restored.

Councillor Jack Diamond, who was part of the restoration committee, said: "This spa dictated to a large extent how this beautiful village looks today, and it is very important to Gainford's identity.

"We have managed to get an exact replica back in place which it is hoped will become a focal point for the village again."

The restoration cost £8,000 and was funded by a National Lottery grant and donations from local organisations.

Much of the village was built to cater for the hordes of Victorian tourists the spa attracted, and it is now hoped it will bring in the visitors again.

Coun Diamond said: "The problem at the moment is that not many people know where the spa is, as it is so well hidden away.

"We hope to get some brown signs put up to direct people to it, and get the message out that it is here."

The official opening ceremony is to be held in August or September.