FIREWORKS lit up the skies last night for a blazing opening to a three-day festival to mark the 175th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Hundreds of people turned out to watch the fireworks display, which was staged at the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum, North Road.

Celebrations at the Darlington Railway and Arts Festival continue today and tomorrow, in memory of the world-famous inaugural steam passenger service, which started in 1925.

One of the highlights will take place tomorrow, when about 1,000 people are expected to take part in an attempt to create a world record-breaking Locomotion dance.

The railway centre, which is hosting the event, will come alive to the sound of the Little Eva classic at around 10am for the pinnacle of the party.

Music and entertainment will fill the events of the weekend, and there will also be a chance to win tickets to travel on the Orient Express in Britain.

The festival is organised for Darlington Borough Council by A Full Head of Steam and Aria, and is sponsored by The Northern Echo.

Meanwhile, fans marking the anniversary can enjoy a celebration at the home of its superintendent engineer tomorrow.

The Timothy Hackworth Victorian and Railway Museum, Shildon, County Durham, is displaying more than 200 exhibits with a transport theme, ranging from shire horses to a rare Bedford electric car.

A large working model of Shildon station in the mid-20th Century is included in the show, along with miniature traction engines, fire engines from Crook and Barnard Castle and a unique Star lorry.

Visitors can take a steam ride behind a 1930s tank engine Merlin along a short section of the historic route where the first train made history on September 27, 1825.

The event runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Call the museum on (01388) 777999