THE vision of the next proposed tribute to late pitman painter Norman Cornish has been unveiled in his home town as part of plans to mark the centenary of his birth.

Spennymoor Town Council are consulting on proposals to transform the dilapidated John Kitson Arch into a modern space showcasing the work of one of the region's best loved artists.

It forms part of the authority's mission to create a Cornish art trail to start and finish at the town hall archway - which could be renamed Norman Cornish Way - to coincide with the centenary of his birth in 2019.

At a meeting this week councillors and members of the public were given a glimpse of what the archway could look like.

Colin Ranson, facilities manager at Spennymoor Town Council, said: "What we want to ensure is we have a legacy to inspire and inform young people.

"Norman Cornish works depict all the pleasures and pain that our fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers went through.

"It's iconic work. He is recognised as an international artist and to have an international artist who is born and bred in Spennymoor and painted Spennymoor is just incredible."

Ian Wright, of Rufus Creative Design, the company behind the refurbishment plan, presented artist impressions and a virtual walkthrough of what the archway could like to the meeting in the council offices on Tuesday.

If the proposals go ahead, the now dark and dingy walkway would be turned into a light, bright space featuring the miner's works.

The designers would reproduce a selection of his paintings on glass backlit with LED light panels.

Mr Wright said: "These backlit panels would run the full length of the walkway creating a colourful illuminated display gallery."

Exhibitions of Norman Cornish work are being planned across County Durham in 2019, including Bishop Auckland, the Bowes Museum, Northumbria and Durham Universities and Spennymoor Town Hall Art Gallery.

However, Spennymoor Town Council hopes to create a lasting memorial to the pitman painter in the archway, hoped to be complete by March, which is phase one of its commemoration plans.

Phase two will see the council develop a circular trail, starting at the archway, around the top end of Spennymoor incorporating between ten and 15 pieces of art on display along the route.

It will then take visitors through Jubilee Park and the shops and will promote the Bob Abley Art Gallery and the Durham Mining Museum.

A council spokesperson added: "It is hoped that this project will be the catalyst for future regeneration in Spennymoor with art, culture and heritage used as a theme to link all of the green and open spaces across the area."

Mr Ranson said the public were "overwhelmingly supportive" of the project at a consultation at Spennymoor Town Show on Saturday.

A further public consultation on the plans will be held on in the memorial room of the town hall on September 26 from 10am to midday, 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm.