THE historic importance of one of the region's oldest railway stations has been acknowledged by a national charity.

North Road Station, in Darlington, has been awarded a 'red wheel' plaque by the Transport Trust, which aims to promote and preserve transport heritage.

Leona White-Hannant, curator of the Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum, which is based in the same building as the station, said: "We are honoured that the Transport Trust has presented North Road Station with a ‘red wheel’ plaque.

"The building is beautiful example of an early railway station and it is marvellous that its historical importance has been recognised."

North Road Station was designed by John Harris for the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

An example of a distinctive early railway station, it opened in 1842 and was extended numerous times throughout the 19th Century.

The red wheel scheme commemorates Britain's rich legacy in the development of transport and presents it to a new and wider audience.

Drawing advice from local historians, industrial archaeologists and other experts, Transport Trust members are taking a closer look at Britain's transport heritage to determine sites of greatest significance.

Red wheels principally highlight key locations of engineering and transport importance.

Nominations are evaluated for their importance, rarity, public awareness and accessibility.

For more information, visit transporttrust.com