DARLINGTON’S heritage trail has been relaunched to inspire people to visit some of the historic sites around the town centre.

The trail, which is best known for its silver coin markers in pavements around the town, was first created in 2011 and has proved popular with visitors and residents.

Since the trail was launched 8,500 copies of the guide have been distributed.

A new guide has now been released for 2013, with updated information and details about the volunteer-guided trails run by market trader Alex Blackham and Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon.

For the first time a geo-caching tour has been added to the trail, run by Darlington-based North East Geo-caching, which encourages teams to hunt for hidden containers, called geo-caches, using GPS or smartphones.

More than 30 caches have been hidden around the town as part of the heritage trail, which is a free addition to the trail.

Councillor Dixon said: “I am delighted that the heritage trail has been such a success and has introduced so many people to the history of our town centre.

“The updated version of the guide gives even more information about Darlington’s rich history and I would urge everyone to pick up a copy and follow the trail.”

Copies of the free guide are available from Crown Street Library, the Dolphin Centre and the town hall.