THE retirement of an archivist next week will be the first of three departures from a Darlington museum in the next few weeks.

Ann Wilson steps down from her post at Darlington Railway Centre and Museum on Friday.

Having spent many years at the museum, Mrs Wilson is seen as the "anchor" of the Ken Hoole Study Centre, which hosts a collection of valuable records and artefacts.

Most relate to the town's railway heritage and the centre is consulted by scholars from across the country.

"Ann presides over the centre, looks after the articles stored there and generally knows where to find answers, even to fairly obscure questions," said Bill Ferguson, honorary secretary of the Friends of Darlington Railway Museum.

A presentation will be made to Mrs Wilson on her final day and she will be made an honorary life member of the friends'group.

Her departure will be followed by those of heritage manager Dr Stuart Nichol and education officer Janine Taylor.

Dr Nichol is retiring after a long career, mostly in archaeology. He joined the museum staff last year and his time has seen improvements in the number of visitors, and the launch of a programme aimed at making the site the centre of a World Heritage Site bid.

Miss Taylor will leave the museum next month, having co-ordinated countless events for youngsters from schools in Darlington and further afield.