RAIL enthusiasts declared yesterday they were more confident than ever of bringing a prominent steam train to Darlington.

A campaign to transport Blue Peter, one of the most famous names from the golden age of the railways, to the town has received overwhelming support.

It would take about £11,500 to bring the locomotive to Darlington Railway Museum, which has high hopes of becoming a premier heritage site over the next five years.

Blue Peter, currently on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, would be loaned to the museum for a minimum of two years if the campaign is successful.

John Wilkes, of the museum, said two local firms had shown an interest in the project. One has already sent representatives to look round the museum.

Mr Wilkes said: "Hopefully, over the next couple of weeks we might have agreed where to go from here.

"We are hopeful that as a result of these discussions, it will be a lot more feasible for Blue Peter to arrive."

He added: "We are now even more convinced that Blue Peter will be a major attraction in the museum and this reinforces our resolve to do all we can to bring it here."

Anyone wanting to support the project is asked to call Mr Wilkes on (01325) 460532.