VISITORS to the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum are being urged to ‘shop local’ with locally produced items for sale in its museum shop.

Last year the museum put out a call on social media for new products and staff were overwhelmed by the response they received from local businesses across the region.

Now a special ‘shop local’ display case has been set aside and the museum will be showcasing a different small local business each month.

Leona White-Hannant, museum manager curator said: “We are always looking at ways to bring interesting, new products to our shop. The ‘shop local’ initiative is thanks to an idea from our Visitor Assistant Dave Appleby, and we’re delighted to be able to offer this great opportunity to small local companies.

“Throughout the year we will be showcasing different products, including locally produced chocolate, toiletries, posters, and leather, denim, wood, paper and fabric items and accessories.”

The first ‘shop local’ display, which will run throughout February, will feature a variety beautiful, repurposed handmade denim items, including keyrings, bookmarks and cushions from ‘Delightfully Denim’.

Sarah Ball, from County Durham, said: “When I saw the opportunity to have Delightfully Denim in the shop at Head of Steam I jumped at the chance. It’s difficult as a small business to get your products seen and into people’s homes – the museum has given me the opportunity to let lots of new potential customers see and buy my creations.”

For more information visit the website at www.head-of-steam.co.uk