A RAILWAY museum has climbed on board a campaign to promote reading.

Darlington's Railway Centre and Museum will host a Railway Children weekend on February 18 and 19.

The events will go hand in hand with Darlington Borough Council's One Book for Darlington events.

On the Saturday, entrance to the museum will be free.

Town mayor Councillor Stella Robson will open an exhibition of children's work about the Railway Children.

The following day, a storyteller will read the book. There will also be face-painting, giant games and live drama.

Schools in the town have been given copies of the Railway Children as part of the project, which aims to increase reading.

It has been chosen because of the town's railway heritage and it is the 100th anniversary of the novel.

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is a really exciting project that aims to get the whole community involved in enjoying one book and encouraging young and old to read and take part in activities that the whole family will enjoy."

For more details, contact the museum on (01325) 460532 or www.drcm.org.uk