DARLINGTON college has unveiled a timeline of events planned to help celebrate its 450th anniversary.

Queen Elizabeth (QE) Sixth Form College in Vane Terrace, is in the middle of its 450th birthday celebrations, with a host of events going on inside the college and in the wider community.

What ultimately became the modern college was granted the Royal Charter, by Elizabeth I, in 1563.

The celebrations include a sports festival, at Abbey Road playing fields, on Wednesday, June 12, from 1pm to 2.30pm.

There will be a walk around Stanhope Park, near the college, the following day.

June 24 will see an awards evening for participants in ‘Project 450’, a volunteering drive aimed at students.

It will be followed, on June 27, by the official opening of the college’s new Stanhope Building, part of a £3.8m refurbishment.

Into the new academic term, at a date still to be fixed, the original Royal Charter will be returned to the college, in what many see as the centrepiece of the celebrations.

QE will also play a part in National Heritage Open Days on September 15, with guided tours available to members of the public.

The celebrations will conclude in October, with a presentation on the college’s historical links with St Cuthbert’s Church.

Before all that, students working towards the community sports leaders award are planning a visit to Northwood Primary School, in Darlington, on Thursday (May 23), to organise games and sports.

Paul Carroll, QE’s sports co-ordinator, said: “We have worked closely with Northwood Primary for the last three to four years, with our students visiting the school to lead and assist with a multitude of sports sessions including running, badminton and general games.

“We have also had Northwood pupils coming in to college to take part in events and it’s been a valuable experience for all concerned.

“Northwood is involved in our 450th anniversary celebrations with pupils attempting to run a combined total of 450 miles, clocking up laps around their school field and tracking progress on a map of Britain.

“Our students gain so much from working with Northwood. They learn to take responsibility and plan with care so that pupils really enjoy the sessions.

“The link with Northwood is brilliant and we are grateful for the opportunities the school gives our students in developing skills and volunteering.’’