PLANS for the region's first national museum have been unanimously welcomed by councillors.

It was agreed that the £8m railway museum to be built in Shildon, County Durham will breathe new life into the town, which was once at the heart of the industry.

It is hoped Shildon Railway Village will attract up to 50,000 visitors a year when it opens in 2004.

Yesterday, outline plans of the venture were presented to Sedgefield Borough Council's planning committee, which gave its full backing.

Councillor Bill Waters said: "This is great for Shildon, but it will also put the region on the map.''

Earlier this year the Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed a £4.9m grant for the project on top of an earlier grant of £350,000 from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The development will compliment the Timothy Hackworth Museum, combining its historic buildings and workshops with a 6,000sq ft building housing 60 vehicles from the national collection, a shop, caf, classrooms and conservation workshops.

Work will also involve refurbishing Shildon Railway Station, which will act as the gateway to the museum.

Plans are also in the pipeline for a park and ride scheme on Lambton Street Industrial Estate to combat heavy traffic when big events were planned.

Councillor Frank Timmiss, from Shildon, told the committee: "I can say on behalf of the people in Shildon that this is one of the best things that we have ever had and everyone appreciates the work being done.''