VILLAGERS snubbed by a tourist guide have been given cash to promote their own place in history.

West Auckland is not only the last home of infamous poisoner Mary Ann Cotton, it also boasts a place in the nation's sporting and railway history.

Its footballers were the first winners of the World Cup, back in 1909, and the world's first iron railway bridge crossed the River Gaunless, near the village.

Now, residents have the chance to secure the village's place on the map by turning a former library into their own heritage and community information centre.

They meet next week to discuss ideas for setting up and running their own Village Centre, which has the support of a Lottery grant of about £5,000.

Suggestions for the project came from a Millennium Exhibition charting West Auckland's history,last summer.

The Memorial Hall meeting is on Wednesday, at 7.30pm.