A YEAR-long project by a theatre company started with a mystery tour of a famous landmark yesterday.

Jack Drum Arts players took visitors on a guided walk/murder-mystery trail of Causey Arch, near Stanley. Dressed as costumed characters, they unravelled the mysteries of the oldest surviving railway bridge in the world. The event marked the beginning of a project to culminate in a play, called The Arch, which will tour in the autumn of 2001.

Company administrator Jill Cole said: "The Arch will continue the company's tradition for quality drama rooted in the stories, history and landscape of our home county."