A £25,000 windfall will help a market town to celebrate its history and heritage.

A series of town trails will be created around Bishop Auckland to encourage people to take an interest in the various elements of the town's history.

Bishop Auckland Community Partnership has been awarded a £24,695 Local Heritage Initiative grant, from The Countryside Agency, for the project.

A steering group, formed by the partnership will work with residents, community groups, and organisations to research the heritage around which routes will be designed.

An artist will be brought onboard to encourage schoolchildren to get involved through creative writing or artwork.

It is expected that four town trails will be created with information boards placed along the routes and clear signs to help walkers stay on track.

After a series of trial walks, to which the public will be invited, details will be available in leaflets or on the web site www.bishopaucklandtown.org

Robyn Holmes, of the Bishop Auckland Community Partnership, said: "The partnership looks to enhance community involvement in Bishop Auckland and sees the town trails as an ideal vehicle to encourage widespread interest and involvement from local people and local organisations."

The walks will benefit businesses in the area as more people visit the town and will see what it has to offer.

Anyone who wants to get involved in the town trail should telephone (01388) 609852.