THE first ox to be roasted in Darlington town centre for more than a century is to be unveiled next week as part of the Covered Market’s anniversary celebrations.

As part of the Victorian-themed celebrations to mark 150 years of trading at the market, a roast ox weighing around 800kg will be unveiled in Darlington's Market Square at 11am on Saturday, June 8.

The ox is the first to be roasted in the town centre since 1902, with the last one believed to have taken place to mark the coronation of King Edward VII.

The beast is supported by three Covered Market butchers - Fenwick’s Butchers, David Jackson’s and Mulholland Butchers - as well as Darlington Auction Mart.

Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Charles Johnson, Darlington Borough Council leader, Bill Dixon, and town twinning dignitaries will cut the first slice of the ox, while Darlington Rotary Club will be helping to serve sandwiches, priced at £4 and £5, which includes a celebratory plate.

The ox will arrive in the Market Square on Friday, June 7, and will be cooked for about 24 hours before being served the following day.