Darlington MP Alan Milburn was given an exclusive view of the town yesterday on a tour of Bank Top Station.

He had been invited to explore the work being under-taken as part of an £8m refurbishment programme by Network Rail.

Mr Milburn was taken up on the barrelled roof of the station, which was built in 1887, and became one of the privileged few to see the panoramic views of the town.

Phil Bustard, of Network Rail, said: "We gave Mr Milburn the opportunity to see for himself the results of the extensive improvement works at the station. There is still at least another year's work ahead of us, but we have spent about £6m so far.

"The work is part of our responsibilities as stewards of the station and they have allowed us to concentrate on safety and security."

The refurbishment programme began in 2002 and has included the renewal of glazing and repainting of iron work.

In total, 2,500 Welsh tiles have been replaced and 2,000 panes of glass and five new end sections have been installed.

Mark Norman, territories building engineer, said: "The green netting has all gone and a nice big area has been left.

"We have carried out some improvement work in the clock tower. We have installed access stairs to allow us to carry out renewal work.

"The bell from the old clock tower is also now on one of the platforms."

In the coming year, Network Rail aims to undertake more painting work, iron work and external work including repairs to the front stone work, which will be visible to the town.

Work to the drainage systems and lightening protection will also be carried out.

Mr Norman said: "From my point of view, we are putting the station back to its former glory.

"We are putting systems in to maintain it for the next 50 years.

"Mr Milburn was very interested with the refurbishment and the views of Darlington from the roof.

"What struck him was the curve Darlington is on in terms of the railway. It is something you can't really see from the ground."