Four North East MPs have written a letter to the National Gallery asking for support ahead of the 200th anniversary of the railway.

A number of events are being planned by various councils to celebrate the milestone.

They will be held along the 26 mile stretch of track that the Stockton and Darlington railway ran along.

Conservative MPs Peter Gibson, Matt Vickers, Paul Howell and Dehenna Davison have all thrown their support behind the celebration.

They support plans for a number of significant artworks to be brought to the region to celebrate the railway history.

They are hoping to bring William Turner's Rail, Steam and Speed to Preston Hall Museum.

Their joint letter reads: "We, the four MPs representing the route, would like to voice our support for the plans by the Festival Director to display a range of artworks celebrating our glorious railway heritage.

"We further understand that a request has been made for William Turner's Rail, Steam and Speed to be loaned for display during the festival at the recently renovated Preston Hall Museum.

"We would like to meet you at your earliest convenience to discuss this proposal.

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"We understand that the painting has never been displayed in England north of York before and the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern passenger railways represents the perfect opportunity for the National Gallery to bring the work to a new audience.

"Supporting this timely request will allow the National Gallery to be an integral part of this event of international importance.

"Thank you for your consideration and we very much look forward to hearing from you in due course."