THE countdown to the completion of Darlington's £7m Pedestrian Heart scheme has begun.

Blackwellgate will be lit up by an illuminating piece of artwork after yesterday's installation of the Life Pulse interactive feature.

By placing their hands either side of one of the columns, pedestrians will see the light changing with the rhythm of their pulse.

The installation will be switched on as part of the Darlington carnival on the weekend of June 30 and July 1.

The carnival weekend will also see street entertainers, magicians, musicians, human statues and balloon modellers coming to the town to officially open the Pedestrian Heart.

And as part of the celebrations, five generations of a Darlington family will light up the five columns of Life Pulse, which was designed by artist Michael Pinskey.

Coun David Lyonette, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: "The installation of these light columns means we are now on the countdown to the new town centre being launched.

"It's one of the finishing touches to the project and an exciting, interactive element to the new town centre, so having five generations of a Darlington family to switch them on at the end of June will be a fitting celebration. I very much look forward to seeing them light up the town."