A regional daily has donated a working van that delivered its newspapers almost 70 years ago to a museum.

The Northern Echo has given the delivery van, which dates back to the 1950s, to Beamish open-air museum, in County Durham.

The Fordson van was part of a fleet which used to deliver papers to shops and newsagents across Darlington and County Durham in the 50s and 60s.

It had been kept in good condition and maintained at the Echo’s office in Priestgate, Darlington, and has now been restored, polished and painted after the paper offered the artefact to the museum.

Editor Gavin Foster and Beamish Museum’s Russell Walker with the donated van and a 1950s bus featuring a Northern Echo advertisement.

The 54 van will now take pride of place as part of the attraction’s 1950s village.

Editor Gavin Foster officially handed over the keys to Beamish transport maintenance manager Russell Walker and road vehicle technician Alan Taylor.

Gavin said: “The vans are a huge part of the Northern Echo’s history and heritage and this one has been lying under cover for too long.

“What better way to have it preserved and also brought to life again in living history than in amazing Beamish.

“To know it can also be enjoyed by the many thousands of visitors to Beamish make it even more special and I know it is in safe hands.”

The van is now one of a fleet of historic vehicles restored and kept by the museum, including a Darlington 1950s bus which also has an old Northern Echo advert on the side.

Paul Jarman, assistant director for design, transport and industry at Beamish Museum, said: “It is very exciting to be able to add this Fordson van to the collection at Beamish, particularly as it wears such an iconic local livery.

“We were delighted that the Northern Echo decided to entrust us with the van and we are sure our visitors will appreciate its local connections and vibrant appearance when it is out and about around the museum.

“It will fit well within our 1950s area, whose streets will make an ideal setting for a light commercial van like this.”