The Festival of Thrift are calling for volunteers to help celebrate the 190th Anniversary of the world's first passenger steam train this weekend in Darlington.

Internationally-renowned French Artist Olivier Grossetete will be helping this year's award-winning festival reach new heights as he creates a five-storey cardboard structure.

He and 120 helpers will build 'The People's Tower', inspired by the station clock tower to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the world's first passenger steam train railway.

Constructed within St Cuthbert's Church, it will be launched at 5pm on Friday and stand in the Market Square as part of the opening celebrations for this weekend.

But, they need more volunteers to help build it.

Coincidentally falling on the same weekend, the festival will remember that first journey made 190 years ago between Darlington and Stockton.

The festivities will then move to the festival's founding host site at Lingfield Point for the rest of the weekend.

"It's amazing that the weekend that we picked for the festival is the actual anniversary of that journey," said Stella Hall, who is the festival's director.

"It was a gift for us and of course we wanted to celebrate that as well as sustainable travel".

The festival received the Arts and Culture award at the Observer Ethical Awards 2015 as it aims to show people how reusing, recycling and upcycling can be fun, save money and benefit the environment.

"For only being two years old and to already win a national award like that is just astonishing," gushed Hall.

"That's really down to the enthusiasm and energy of all the people from all over the Tees Valley who have got involved.

"They are the ones that have come along, got involved and made it a national festival".

This year's programme will feature leading and emerging artists from across the globe, demonstrations, stalls and workshops to offer thrifty advice, tips and tricks and much more to festival-goers.

To be a part of this landmark build, register for the workshop or for more information on the festival, visit: www.festivalofthrift.co.uk