Railway station's new concourse complete

Adding shops will be the next stage of the project

The refurbishment of a railway station is on track as a new concourse has been completed.

The new Eastern concourse will connect to the Grade II listed Darlington station by an elevated walkway.

The next stage of the £140m redevelopment, which will see shops being added, will now begin.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "This is a major moment in the redevelopment of Darlington Station and we are proud to be handing over the Eastern Concourse Building right on time."

He added the refurbishment would give Darlington passengers the station "they deserve" and help boost the number of services.

The project, which is being delivered through a partnership of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority (TVCA), Network Rail, LNER and Darlington Borough Council, is due to be completed in late 2025.

Network Rail's Luke Durston said the completion of the concourse was a "real 'handing of the baton' moment".

Two new platforms are also being built as part of the redevelopment

The station redevelopment also includes two new platforms, a multi-storey car park and a transport interchange.

The TVCA has contributed £43m to the overhaul and Network Rail and the Department for Transport have funded £96m.

Councillor Steve Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for transport, said the completion of the work next year - which marks the 200th anniversary of the railways - would be "a timely tribute the events of 1825".