THE birth and growth of the railways is being recalled in Stockton.

People from across the Tees Valley have been to view the Stockton in Steam exhibition, being staged at the town's Green Dragon Museum.

Recounting the story of the world's first passenger railway, the display also tells of the later development of the railways in the town.

The story of the world's first passenger railway line began with the proposal for a canal between Darlington and Stockton.

The display has an original map of the proposed route. The canal idea, first mooted in the 18th Century, would have cut out a big loop in the Tees to shorten the route between the two towns.

Comments in the visitors book praised the exhibition, although one man, from Grimsby, argued the organisers could do better and others were left hungry for more information and exhibits.

The display is open until Saturday, September 4. It is free and open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Published: 08/03/2004