LOCAL people are being asked to help to create a new attraction in Teesdale.

The museum, above the Co-op supermarket, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, will be mainly based on the social history of the area in the mid-19th Century.

Research is under way by the organiser, Middleton Plus, which is seeking artefacts, photographs and anecdotes, of the Middleton area.

Mandy Roberts, spokeswoman for the company designing the project, said: "I know there are many people in the area with tremendous knowledge and passion about the area. I feel it is vital to the success of the centre that these people become involved."

Extensive negotiations have been held between the local authorities, the regional tourist board, the Raby and Strathmore estates, other visitor attractions in the region and key bodies working in the area, to ensure that the new centre will complement and not duplicate any other facility.

Anyone with appropriate objects or information to offer the museum is asked to contact Ms Roberts on (01833) 641000.

She has also organised meetings on Tuesday, August 21, and Wednesday, August 22, from noon to 2.30pm, at the Middleton Plus office, in the town's Market Place, to discuss the project.