WITH the announcement today that Tees Valley will campaign to be crowned UK City of Culture in 2025 here are the venues and iconic landmarks that will play a pivotal part in the bid.

Darlington's Head of Steam
Railway museum on the route of the original Darlington to Stockton Railway line

Hullabaloo Theatre Company, Darlington
A pioneering children's theatre company creating quality work for children and young people

Mima
The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

The Northern Echo:

Hartlepool Maritime Museum and Marina
Set to become part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy

Stockton’s Georgian Theatre
Hosts live music and events through the year

The Northern Echo:

Transporter Bridge
The iconic bridge that helps define the identity of Middlesbrough

Darlington's Brick Train
A tribute to the town’s railway heritage

The Northern Echo:

Temenos
Sculpture in the shadow of Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium

Roseberry Topping
The iconic hill on the edge of the North York Moors

Kirkleatham Museum near Redcar
Local history museum for the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland

The Northern Echo:

Stockton International Riverside Festival
Celebration of performing arts from around the world

Middlesbrough Mela
A multi-cultural celebration of Asian influences in the area

The Northern Echo:

The Festival of Thrift
Celebration of all things thrifty and upcycled in Darlington

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
Capturing the history of the iron industry in the Eston Hills

Stockton ARC
Plays host to countless music and theatre events throughout the year

The Northern Echo:

Saltburn Pier and Lift
Victorian attractions that continue to draw the crowds

Middlesbrough’s Dorman Museum
A national science museum in the heart of the town

Billingham Folklore Festival
A celebration of music and dance from around the world

The Northern Echo:

Tees Barrage International White Water Centre
Home to watersports enthusiasts in the area

Heugh Gun Battery, Hartlepool
Marking the bombardment of the town during the First World War

Wynyard Hall Rose Garden
The multi-million pound attraction is due to open this summer

Cleveland Way
The national walking trail that takes in coastal views and sweeping hills

The Northern Echo:

Preston Park Museum and Grounds
Celebrating Victorian life in the area

Middlesbrough Town Hall
Theatre venue due to undergo multi-million pound refurbishment

Globe Theatre, Stockton
Being restored to its former glory in the heart of the town

Darlington Civic Theatre
Hosts theatre and plays throughout the year

Caption Cook Birthplace Museum
Tells the story of one of the world’s greatest navigators and mariners

What do you think should be included in the bid? Leave your comments below