US descendants of a North-East noble house have raised the family banner over its former stronghold for the first time in more than 250 years.

A party of 30 Americans have spent two weeks tracing their ancestral roots in the region at Hylton Castle, near Sunderland.

They raised a specially-commissioned Hylton Flag over the family seat - not seen on its ramparts since the last baron sold the castle in 1750.

The castle, at Monkwearmouth, on the north bank of the River Wear, was built by Baron William Hylton between 1390 and 1410.

It is three miles from Washington Old Hall, ancestral home of George Washington, the first US President.

The family's first steps into the New World were taken by William Hilton, of Biddick, near Monkwearmouth, who was aboard Fortune, which sailed for America in 1621, the year after the Mayflower set out from Plymouth.

He wrote back to his cousin, Edward, after arriving in New Plymouth, to ask for his wife and son to be sent over.

He said: "We are all freeholders, the rent-day doth not trouble us. Our company are, for the most part, very religious, honest people; the word of God sincerely taught us ever Sabbath; so that I know not any thing a contented mind can here want."

Jerrold Hilton, 69, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a direct descendant of William Hilton, said: "It has been a super trip.

"Seeing the family crest flying over the castle was wonderful."

As part of their visit, his US descendants also took part in Independence Day celebrations at Washington Old Hall, yesterday.