IN September 1825, George Stephenson's Locomotion No 1 took a groundbreaking journey along the world's first passenger line, the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR).

Nearly 176 years later, it has emerged that a less innovative form of transport will help highlight part of the original route, as plans for the latest part of a national cycleway are unveiled.

So far, the eco-transport charity Sustrans has developed 6,000 miles of the planned 10,000-mile route across Britain. The latest 12-mile stretch to be unveiled will link the towns of Darlington and Stockton.

Work is due to begin early next year and be completed during 2004/5.

The plans are being used to help highlight the region's rail history - a mission which is the focus of The Northern Echo's Treasuring Our Railway Heritage campaign - as it takes in a four-mile stretch of the 1825 line's route.

Between Darlington and Middleton St George, the original trackbed of the S&DR will be used for the route, with signs and possibly pictures expected to mark any notable landmarks with historic significance.

Owen Wilson, of Sustrans, said: "Our main interest is constructing a route, but we are also looking to seek funds to make the route more interesting."

Sustrans has agreed to invest about £130,000 in cycle routes in and around Darlington, much of it going towards the £900,000 cost of the cycleway, which stretches from Darlington Market Square to the Tees Barrage.

Although a map of the route has been released, only the rural part is confirmed and there will be consultations with residents in the urban areas of the cycleway before those stretches are confirmed.

Where possible, quiet roads will be used, rather than developing new pathways when there is no need.

The scheme is a partnership project with Darlington and Stockton borough councils.

Along the route, the plans provide a link between villages, including Middleton St George, Elton and Longnewton, while the East Coast main line running through Darlington adds further possibilties.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Our partnership with Sustrans has the potential to deliver huge benefits.

"For people travelling to work, school or for their own enjoyment, a better cycle network can make all the difference. The plans for the historic Darlington to Stockton trackbed are especially exciting."

Darlington Borough Council has invested more than £250,000 in the scheme.

Rob Farnham, Stockton Borough Council's transport planning team leader, said: "As well as extending the National Cycle Network to Darlington, the new cycleway will provide a high-quality route between Stockton town centre and the west of the borough, providing an attractive alternative for journeys currently made by car."

Next Tuesday, Sustrans staff and transport officers from the councils will be joined by members of Darlington Cycle Forum on a ride along the route to celebrate the plans.