THE NORTH-EAST’S railway heritage will help Darlington’s mayor raise money for several good causes.

Mayor Tom Nutt is encouraging people to get on board and take part in a 23-mile charity walk to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR).

Cllr Nutt has mapped out a route, following as near as possible the original inaugural journey, of the first public steam passenger railway in the world.

On Saturday, August 22, the Mayor, along with family and friends, will set off from Stockton Ticket Office at 7.30am, hoping to arrive in Shildon by 5pm.

Cllr Nutt’s aim is to raise sponsorship funds for local charities, whilst raising awareness of the international importance of our local railway history.

He said: “Aside from fundraising for my charity fund to benefit worthy causes in our town, it is important to raise interest in our rich heritage.

“The walk also coincides with Tees Valley’s recent bid for UK City of Culture in ten years time.”

He was given the idea for the charity walk following a recent conference at Locomotion Shildon, where it was decided that the S&DR would seek World Heritage status from UNESCO.

Campaigners hope to achieve world heritage status in time to celebrate the railway’s 200th anniversary in 2025.

S&DR began in 1825 by connecting collieries and was the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives.

During Cllr Nutt’s research out on the original route, he discovered railway remains, old walls, and the origins of the Fighting Cocks pub in Middleton St George (which began life as an S&DR ticket booking office).

The mayor, a keen walker who turns 71 this month, has invited members of the public to join him on his journey and is hoping for good weather throughout.

The walk will be launched in Stockton at 7.30am, with participants invited to join in during any leg of the journey.

Locations at which people can join the walk are Eaglescliffe Station (9am), Allens West (9:30am), Urlay Nook (10am), Fighting Cocks pub (11:30am), Head of Steam Museum (1:30pm), Hitachi site (2pm), Locomotion No.1 pub, Heighington (2:30pm), Newton Aycliffe Station (3pm) and Shildon Museum (4pm).

Donations can be made to Cllr Nutt or David Allaway, Mayoral Support Office, Town Hall, Darlington, DL1 5QT. Cheques to Mayor’s Charity Fund.