A HERITAGE group is seeking volunteers to help restore two historic bridges dating from the early days of the railways.

Vandals stole stone from the Accommodation and Milk Road bridges at Brusselton, near Shildon, County Durham, last July.

They formed part of the 1825 Stockton and Darlington Railway and the Brusselton Incline Group was set up to help in their restoration.

Network Rail and Balfour Beatty recently donated 20 tonnes of stone from bridges they renovated in the Stockton area and overgrown bushes have been cut back at the bridges and nearby Brusselton Incline. Volunteers are being sought to help further clear the site this weekend.

Michael O’Neill, secretary of the incline group, said: “When we cut back the vegetation at the site we found a lot of bottles which need to be taken away.

“We also have clippings and soil which needs to be moved too. People of any age can come along to help out.”

The group aims to have the bridges repaired by 2025 in time for the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Amongst its consultants is Jane Hackworth-Young, the great, great granddaughter of Timothy Hackworth, the 19th century Shildon-based railway engineer.

Anyone wishing to help should meet at the Accommodation Bridge or the nearby incline on Saturday (May 10) between 11am and 5pm.

Tools are provided but helpers need gloves. Anyone wishing to join the group should call Mr O’Neill on 01388-661668.