THE heritage of the River Tees inspired an afternoon of fun in Darlington today (Sunday, February 22).

An overcast Sunday in South Park saw families gather to enjoy a number of activities as the River Tees Rediscovered Landscape Partnership was launched.

Youngsters enjoyed bridge building, nature exploration, workshops and heritage themed art and craft sessions as the event got underway.

The River Tees Rediscovered project aims to give visitors the opportunity to explore and celebrate the river that snakes from Piercebridge, near Darlington to Teesmouth and the coast.

Sunday afternoon’s event was part of a series of community programmes and activities organised in a bid to highlight the rich heritage of the river.

Families at the event were invited to enjoy a walk along the recently created heritage trail running between South Park and Snipe Pond.

The Darlington trail was recently created by more than 75 volunteers from the local community who worked to establish new footpaths, clear vegetation and plant new trees and bulbs.

Anne-Louise Orange, the Delivery Manager for the project, added: “This is an exciting time with many opportunities to reconnect with the River Tees and explore what the river corridor has to offer.”

Similar activities will be taking place across Teesside as part of the ambitious project.