A WOMAN who helped a pub landlord learn more about the area where his premises is situated has been rewarded with a free meal.

Gillen Wilson, from Darlington Library, responded to Stuart Mann's appeal for historical information and photographs relating to the Tawny Owl, in Neasham Road and the surrounding area.

Mr Mann said: "The building has only been around for eight to nine years, so we were eager to find any interesting information related to the area. I was delighted to hear from so many people with stories about the area's long and fascinating history, including Gillen who had obviously carried out a great deal of research.