INFORMATION boards will help visitors to find their way around the historic sights of a County Durham town.

Eight information boards have been commissioned to highlight the heritage of Bishop Auckland by the town's Community Partnership, working with Groundwork West Durham.

The boards promote five walks around landmarks such as Escomb Saxon Church, the Bishop of Durham's home at Auckland Castle, the village of Westerton, Binchester Roman Fort, the Market Place and Theatre Corner, where Stan Laurel's father, Arthur Jefferson, ran the Eden Theatre.

Money had only been available for seven boards, because the walk to Binchester was not part of the original brief and no funding was available.

But Durham County Council leader Ken Manton, who represents Bishop Auckland, stepped in with a cheque for £200 from a fund allowing members to support community projects.

He said: "It is a very worthwhile project and I was very happy to be able to contribute the last piece of the jigsaw."

Ray Sunman, project manager for the partnership, said: "We now have the full set and will be posting the boards later this summer."