A Stokesley heritage group has completed the £10,000 restoration of a little-known yet historic wrought-iron gate.

The ornate Kent Gate is situated in a passageway behind the High Street and dates from the mid-eighteenth century. It had become badly corroded and some sections had vanished.

The Stokesley Society received a heritage grant and commissioned Brian Russell, a Teesdale blacksmith who has worked at the Bowes Museum, to carry out the metal work, while Swainby stonemason David Nelson repaired the old pillar supporting the gate.

Society chairman Hugh Charman said both craftsmen had done a great job.

"Brian removed the gate and took it to his forge at Winston. He is an expert on historic iron work and produced a tracing of it on a board, which he then used as a stencil to create new pieces.

"As some sections were missing, he had to fill in the gaps by following the pattern and symmetry of the surviving design. He has a good knowledge of these historic designs and has done an excellent job.

"David Nelson replaced stonework and re-pointed a large stone pillar supporting the gate. Again, he's done a fine job."

Mr Charman said little was known about the gate but investigations were under way.

"The society had long considered this project but it always appeared too daunting. However, the grant made it possible. We applied for the money through Hambleton council's local heritage initiative and it came from the lottery and Nationwide Building Society.

"We feel privileged to have been able to help save this unique feature of our local heritage for future generations to enjoy. Let's hope it survives another two centuries."

He said architecture lecturer and broadcaster John Grundy described the Kent Gate as amazing on his Tyne-Tees programme recorded in Stokesley.

Mr Grundy has updated the famous Pevsner architectural guide books and he declared Stokesley was his favourite of all market towns. The Kent Gate was one of its many surprises.

The buildings surrounding the gate once housed a linen mill and the owners lived in the Georgian townhouse which is now Barclays Bank.

A plaque is to be fixed to the passageway by Barclays Bank to guide visitors to the gate. This will form part of the society's signposted town trail, which is due to open at Easter.

The society holds public talks at Stokesley Town Hall. The next is on Tuesday, February 26.