THE Roman Empire will be resurrected in a village built on the foundations of a fort erected between 260 and 270 AD.

A Heritage Festival celebrating the landmarks and communities steeped in history situated along the River Tees will see an array of family friendly activities held to mark their significance.

Piercebridge, near Darlington, is set to host an event next month at the site where the Roman road Dere Street crossed the River Tees, which provided a key trade route and fort base to defend against the Celts.

History enthusiasts and those wanting to explore the past can visit the living history camp, make some leatherwork or pottery and watch re-enactment Roman soldiers in action.

The River Tees Rediscovered Landscape Partnership event is supported by the National Lottery through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to reconnect residents near the River Tees with the watercourse that has moulded the physical and cultural development of the landscape and communities through the ages.

The Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, August 17, between 11am and 4pm. A shuttle bus will run between the Head of Steam railway museum, off Station Road, Darlington, and Piercebridge village.

Refreshments will on sale in the church courtesy of the Parish Council, or feel free to bring a picnic.

James Hunter, Groundwork North East and Cumbria delivery officer, said: “What a way to celebrate the huge range of heritage we have here in the Tees Valley.

“We celebrate the Roman heritage that is under our feet in Piercebridge, the Civil War Battles, the vast pottery heritage we have throughout the Tees, and everything in between.

“Join us for a wonderful, fun-filled day.”

The River Tees Rediscovered Partnership Project, part of Groundwork NE and Cumbria, received confirmation of a grant of £1.89m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in June 2014.

For more information on the project and future events, visit riverteesrediscovered