DETAILS have been announced of a three-day celebration of the North-East's railway heritage.

Plans for the 175th Anniversary Railway and Arts Festival at Darlington's railway museum were revealed last month following the collapse of the Cavalcade of Steam event.

Now event organisers A Full Head of Steam and Aria, of Teesside, have revealed the timetable of events between September 29 and October 1.

The festival will feature arts and crafts exhibitions, a two-day fun fair, a musical concert, steam rides and tours.

Free vintage buses will also ferry visitors between the town centre and the celebration.

All funds raised will be held by Darlington Borough Council to help pay towards future railway events.

Vince Eckerman, managing director of events company Aria, commissioned by the borough council to help organise the event, said: "There was such a hole left by the collapse of the Cavalcade of Steam event that it has not been that difficult to engage people's interest in this."

Brian Launder, of A Full Head of Steam, said: "We hope that the people of Darlington will turn out in their droves to support the celebration."

Tickets are expected to go on sale before the end of the month. They will cost £5 for the full event or £2.50 a day, with children under 16 allowed in free if accompanied by an adult.

Further events could be added to the schedule.

Businesses interested in corporate sponsorship packages, which include a banquet buffet, entertainment, and a commemorative gift, should call (01325) 467000