THE countdown to the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway – the world’s first passenger railway – has begun.

Rail history enthusiasts from across the globe are expected to travel to take part in the 2025 anniversary celebrations and planning is underway to provide facilities and events that will honour the milestone.

To launch the start of preparations, representatives from Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and Stockton Borough Council, gathered at Darlington’s Head of Steam Museum, where Locomotion, the steam locomotive used to haul the first passengers is on display.

All three local authority areas have pledged to work together on the celebrations and have made a call for action to interested organisations, individuals and businesses to come forward and contribute ideas and funding.

They were joined by Paul Kirkman, director of the National Railway Museum, which is supporting the 200th anniversary celebrations while also marking the museum’s own 50th anniversary.

Nick Wallis, cabinet member for leisure at Darlington Borough Council, said: “That first journey in 1825 was a key moment in history.

“We are planning a substantial celebration. The last big anniversary was in 1975 and every generation celebrates and marks the birth of railways differently.

“We are not just looking locally, regionally or even nationally – this has the potential to be an international event.

“The four key partners will be working closely together and we are already beginning to look at what assets we have. We want to build a sense of momentum.”

Reuben Kench, Stockton Borough Council’s head of culture and leisure, said: “2025 is an opportunity for a collaboration on something globally significant.

“Railways are the most evocative and enigmatic of things and we are rightly anticipating a huge amount of interest from around the world.”

Asked about funding for the event Mr Kench said: “We are a long way from defining what the one off capital investments might be and the events that would make up the bicentenary celebration.

“We are a long way from determining what the potential costs might be.

“Funding would certainly be from more than one source. There will be a range of partners but not all will be public sector partners.

“Beyond that it’s premature to speculate.”