CALLS for a Consett heritage centre to mark the history of the town have been strengthened with the opening of a unique display.

Consett YMCA senior worker Billy Robson has spent the past six months collecting photographs of the town's former steelworks, culminating in a display of 1,050 images housed at the YMCA. Designed to act as a visual record of the town's proud industrial heritage, it also acts as a reminder of the need for a permanent museum in the town.

Viewing the display, which opened on the 20th anniversary of the steelworks' closure, the leader of Derwentside District Council, Councillor Alex Watson, said: "It is a tremendous display and credit must go to Billy for pulling it together.

"It's particularly pleasing because it is open to anyone and is for the whole community. In Consett, of course, there is hardly anyone not connected to the steelworks, so now their friends and family can come and get a taste of the town's history."

Mr Robson said the display had already proved popular with those who had seen it. "The response we are getting from former employees, and their families, has been fantastic. Our visitor book is full of great comments.

"We've had several school trips visiting the display already, as well as groups of ex-workers now in their 70s and 80s from residential homes. What we really want is a permanent heritage centre to record the history of the steelworks and Consett in general. A project like that would pull visitors in from round the country."

The display can be viewed at Consett YMCA, between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.