A PHOTOGRAPHIC project is to mark the end of the line for a historic locomotive depot.

Stockton Borough Council's museum service has commissioned local documentary photographer Andy Elliott to record the final days of life at the Thornaby Traction Maintenance Depot of EWS Railways.

Once considered a state-of-the-art facility, the depot was the last to be built in the UK to service main line steam locomotives.

Completed in 1958, it replaced older engine sheds at Stockton, Newport and Middlesbrough.

Mr Elliott, who made his name as a teenager, photographing the final days of North-East steam locomotives in the 1960s, is now a cultural development consultant at Durham University's Queen's Campus, in Stockton.

In addition, he provides assistance to student members of Stephenson Photographic Society.

He said: "In its heyday, the Thornaby depot was a very busy complex, and it is well known by railway workers and enthusiasts across the country. The idea has been to record the human side of the depot's everyday life, as well as the machinery that was there to keep everything running."

The photographs are expected to go on show at the Queen's Campus site at Teesdale, Thornaby, during September, after which they will go into Stockton council's museums archive.

Councillor Mary Womphrey, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "Although it is less than 50 years old, the depot occupies a significant place in our railway history, and I am delighted we will have something to remember the many people who worked there over the years."