WHAT is it about Darlington and trains?

Last year, we had to endure the debacle over the ill-fated Festival of Steam, which was planned as a millennium celebration of the town's railway heritage.

The festival, which was expected to attract thousands of tourists to the town, ended in a financial mess and general embarrassment.

Last week, we saw growing ill-feeling in Darlington over the project to build Britain's first steam locomotive for more than 40 years - the A1 Tornado.

Trustees of the project laid off full-time employees in a dispute over the standard of the construction work.

Darlington seems incapable of getting its act together over its railway heritage.

The town has claim to a precious heritage - it played its part in changing the world.

But is it obvious to visitors to the town? Where are the "Welcome To The Birthplace of the Railways" signs?

The fact that some investment is being made by the borough council in Darlington Railway Museum is to be welcomed, but so much more could be done.

The world's first passenger railway - and the pioneers whose vision made it possible - deserve to be permanently celebrated.

As The Northern Echo has said on many occasions, we should "Treasure Our Railway Heritage".

THE Northumbria in Bloom judges arrive in Darlington tomorrow to assess the town's floral displays.

They will be followed by the Britain in Bloom judges next month.

Hopefully, the excellent work carried out by the local authority's green-fingered experts in making the town look so attractive will be duly recognised.

In the meantime, write and tell us what else makes you proud of Darlington.

Write to Pride in Darlington, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF. We will be happy to publish your letters