EVERY town and city has its own treasure, and in Darlington’s case that treasure is Locomotion No 1. It was saved from the scrapyard in the 1850s thanks to Joseph Pease and his family paying the £50 restoration work.

Not so long ago, Locomotion No 1 was given celebrity status by the Bank of England showing the engine crossing the Skerne Bridge in Darlington on the back of the £5 pound note.

With the bi-centenary celebrations fast approaching in 2025, our star attraction could be missing, so now is the time for Darlington folk to voice their opinion and sign the petition or by this time next year it could be gone forever. It’s in everyone’s own interest.

Fred Iceton (retired railwayman), Darlington.