MIDDLESBROUGH'S legacy as a Victorian industrial powerhouse has been celebrated by historians.

The history of the town and wider Tees area were the focus of a conference at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

The conference attracted world experts to the the town for a two-day event exploring towns and cities in the 19th Century and visiting important heritage locations in Middlesbrough.

Keynote speakers explored the history of 19th century Middlesbrough as well as other issues involving Victorian industrial cities.

Delegates also visited the landmark Transporter Bridge and the Middlehaven regeneration area.

The two-day event was formally opened by Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon as he welcomed more than 50 delegates from as far afield as France and Taiwan.

Mr Mallon said: “Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage is more important than many people realise, and it’s more important than ever that we remember where we have come from.

“It’s the best thing about Middlesbrough and the whole Tees area, and if we lose sight of the contribution we have made, not just to this country but to the world, we will lose our way.

“Conferences like this are important because we have to analyse the past to understand the present, and if we understand the present we can look to the future with confidence.”

Tees Transporter Bridge Education, Learning and Events Officer and conference co-ordinator Tosh Warwick said: “Victorian Cities Revisited showcased the history and heritage of Middlesbrough and the Tees Valley to leading academics, heritage officials, interest groups and members of the public.

“By bringing together experts from across the world to Teesside and the landmark Tees Transporter Bridge, the Conference helped highlight the key role the area's heritage plays in improvement and regeneration work.”

The conference was a joint initiative between the Transporter Bridge visitor centre and the University of Huddersfield.