THE REGION'S first national museum has helped spark a property boom in the former railway town where it is due to open later this year.

Twenty years after one of the blackest days in Shildon's history, when the wagonworks closed, the railways are bringing prosperity back to the town.

Property prices have rocketed in recent months as buyers anticipate the opening of Locomotion: the National Railway Museum in September.

Homes and businesses are being snapped up within weeks of going on the market, causing prices to double.

Estate Agents say that the £10m museum, that is expecting to attract 60,000 visitors a year, has helped put Shildon on the map.

Carol Armstrong, of Armstrong Estate Agents said: "I think it is a combination of the railway museum and the new look to Shildon. Shildon was hanging back but has caught up with the rest of the region with one big movement rather than gradually. It has just gone haywire.

"It is difficult to pinpoint any particular reason. A lot of it has been really to do with investors from out of the area finding the prices were lowish compared to the rest of the country and they are buying properties. People are starting to realise that Shildon is a gateway to so many places in the region.''

Up until a few months ago the average two-bedroom terrace house in Shildon was bringing in between £30,000 and £35,000. Today the same houses are worth between £60,000 and £65,000.

Shildon estate agent Martin Bage agreed that the railway museum was part of the attraction but said he also felt that out-of-town investors had helped push up the prices.

He said: "In the last couple of years property has absolutely boomed. I think it is likely that the railway museum has helped but we are getting a lot of people coming from the south who are finding that the property is far cheaper here.''

Chairman of Shildon Chamber of Trade Brian Stoker said: "I think the railway museum has definitely pushed prices up. People are coming from out of town and buying up the houses probably to rent.''

Mr Stoker also confirmed that there had been a lot of interest in empty shop units in the town and is hoping that businesses and voluntary groups will join forces to create a community partnership to boost Shildon's image further.