IT was a family affair when a celebration of railway pioneer Timothy Hackworth took place in his home town.

It is 150 years since the death of Shildon's most celebrated resident, and his descendants have marked the milestone.

Hackworth's grandson, Robert Young, brought Hackworth's contribution to history to public attention with the publication of his book in 1923.

It has been reprinted for the millennium and was described by the Science Museum as one of the most definitive works on the early railway pioneers.

Hackworth's great-great granddaughters, Jane Hackworth-Young and Mary De Boer, and great-great grandson Ulick Loring were at the relaunch on Monday.

Jane said: "Many other people have contributed to making Hackworth's name known and in getting the third edition of the book published. Publication of this edition not only heralds a new millennium, but coincides with the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, over which Hackworth presided for 15 years, the 150th anniversary of Hackworth's death and the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Timothy Hackworth Museum."

The book costs £17 and is available from the railway museum in Shildon.