A LIBRARY is to stage a month of events celebrating the region’s rich railway heritage.

Clayport Library, in Durham City has organised a packed programme of talks, craft drop-ins and family sessions throughout May to mark Local History Month.

Events get underway with a talk by local historian David Butler on Saturday, May 3 at 2pm. The talk, entitled Christina’s Bridge, explores how the death of a young girl on a level crossing in 1893 led to the construction of a bridge over the branch line.

The talk uses original sources to look at the story behind the accident, the building of the bridge and its eventual demolition.

There will be a railway crafts drop-in session on Saturday, May 10 from 2.15pm followed on Saturday, May 17 by a talk by Dr Winifred Stokes on the construction of railway tracks.

Shildon Model Railway Club will display some of their layouts on Saturday, May 24 from 10am to 3pm while Julian Harrop will present a slideshow entitled “Beamish: a railway miscellany” at 10.30am on the same day.

Anne Harrison, Clayport Library’s acting centre officer, said: “Local History Month offers us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our rich heritage.

“Here in County Durham, the railways played such a significant role in our past and there is so much interest and enthusiasm for the subject that it seems an obvious subject for our Local History Month events.

“I hope people take the opportunity to come along and learn a little more about our past.”

All activities are free but booking is required for talks on 03000 265 524.