A FORGOTTEN part of Darlington’s railway history will form the basis of the first local history display of 2014.

The Centre for Local Studies, in the Crown Street Library, will host a number of exhibitions looking at different aspects of Darlington’s past during 2014.

This month, the centre will host an exhibition compiled by the North Eastern Railway Association, looking at the Merrybent branch of Darlington railways, which operated from 1870 to 1950.

In February the story of the Patons and Baldwins, a leading manufacturer of knitting yarn, will be explored with a selection of photographs of the factory and its employees.

Visitors will be invited to share their memories of the firm in a reminiscence book.

The Centre for Local History is also open to people looking to trace their family history, using a number of online resources as well as local directories, electoral registers and maps.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “There is a lot of history to be proud of in Darlington and the Centre for Local Studies is a great place to find out about the town and its past.

“With friendly and experienced staff always on hand it is a resource that I hope people will enjoy.”

For more information call the Centre for Local Studies on 01325-349630, e-mail local.studies@darlington.gov.uk, or visit Crown Street Library.