VISITORS to a North-East museum will step back through time tomorrow to the era of horse-drawn carriages.

Vintage carriages will gather at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, in Shildon, County Durham, for a 15-mile drive taking in surrounding villages.

The event will feature historic carriages that have been used in Catherine Cookson television dramas along with riders and their horses. Visitors can also learn about the South Durham, Northumberland and Durham Driving Societies and the Shildon Community Rail Trail.

Organiser Karen Rowland said: "We want people to know what the Community Rail Trail is all about and also promote the driving societies. All of us are always on the lookout for new members and it seems fitting that we set off from Locomotion."

The carriages will gather outside the Welcome Building at the museum at noon, before travelling through Shildon town centre and Heighington.