Seaham Harbour, which opened a commercial lifeline for east Durham's once-thriving coal industry, celebrates its 175th anniversary this weekend. Marjorie McIntyre reports.

IT was the desperate need for a port to export precious fuel which prompted the third Marquess of Londonderry, Charles Stewart, to propose a new harbour on a pirate-ridden, stormy stretch of east Durham coastline.

Initially, his idea was universally rejected as an absurd and wild pipedream.

But the redoubtable Marquess, who was granted the titles of Earl of Vane and Viscount Seaham, in 1823, was determined. He needed that determination, for it proved a long battle to secure funding for the development of a port.

His tireless efforts eventually paid off, when, in September 1828, Lord Londonderry saw work begin on the creation of an artificial harbour through the enlargement of some of the coastal inlets around what was then known as Dalden.

Only two months later, thousands of people from the surrounding area watched from the clifftops as the foundation stone for the north pier was laid in place.

Piers were erected to shelter the area from stormy seas, and Lord Londonderry and his agent, John Buddle, took expert advice from leading civil engineers Thomas Telford and John Rennie.

The original dock was planned by William Chapman and designs for the adjacent town, then named Dalden Ness, were drawn up by one of Newcastle's most famous sons, architect John Dobson.

In July 1831, crowds were again to gather on all the vantage points to witness the historic scene of the first loads of coal being delivered from Rainton pit along a newly installed railway line which led directly to the new harbour.

In 1843, Dalden Ness was renamed Seaham Harbour and, two years later, because of increasing demand, the dock area had to be enlarged.

The Marquess died in 1854 and his wife, Lady Frances Anne, took all responsibility for his business ventures. A year later, all the loans taken out to fund the construction of the port were finally paid off.

To mark the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the vital harbour, Seaham Town Council has organised a fitting day of events tomorrow, to mark the major milestone.

Expecting crowds of up to 30,000, those attending will be able to view the newly-opened North Dock, along with all the major improvements which have been carried out.

From 1pm, there will be aerobatic displays, starting with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight display.

The town's famous clock site will be the setting for jazz performances, from 1.50pm, and there will be performances of musical and comedy acts on the Terrace Green, from 11.40am.

Three NATO ships will be moored in the South Dock and will be open to the public from 11am.

There will also be fairground rides and other attractions on the North Dock, open from noon.

The south side of the Terrace Green will host a farmers' market and there will also be a string of trade stands and static displays.

Seaham town clerk Stan Cudlip, who has helped organise the events, issued an invitation to everyone to attend the celebrations.

"This is an historic occasion for the town and we are hoping for a bumper turnout. We can promise anyone who comes along to share in this memorable milestone a very warm welcome and a most enjoyable and interesting day."

Visitors to Seaham Harbour open day will be able to make use of free park and ride.

A free bus service will run from Dawdon Industrial Estate, at the south of Seaham, and also from the B1287 road north of Seaham Hall. Buses will run throughout the day, from 10.30am to 6pm.

The service is being provided by Durham County Council and Seaham Town Council.