A HERITAGE group determined to protect a riverside vista is trying to attract new members.

The Friends of Tees Heritage Park hope to save a six-and-a-half-mile stretch of the River Tees.

Chairman Doug Nicholson has described the area, bounded by the communities of Thornaby, Ingleby Barwick, Yarm and Eaglescliffe, as having a colourful history which needs to be preserved.

As the group is about to hold its first annual meeting, organisers are trying to move forward and attract more members.

Mr Nicholson said: "So far, so good. However, as the project gathers momentum, and more and more parties become involved, it is crucial that we continue to have a strong voice representing community feeling and aspirations.

"We need to be sure that the initial concept of the park, between Yarm and Thornaby, for quiet enjoyment in a tranquil environment is respected."

The group also has ambitions to expand the park down to the Tees Barrage and Newport Bridge, in Middlesbrough, as well as towards Darlington.

Mr Nicholson said: "The idea of a Tees park, possibly extending, eventually, from the Tees estuary towards Darlington, is exciting and achievable. However, the first priority of FTHP is to establish the heritage park between Yarm and Stockton."

The meeting will be held at Preston Hall, in Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, on Saturday from 10.30am.

For more information, contact the group by writing to Friends of Tees Heritage Park, PO Box 836, Stockton TS19 1FW. Alternatively, email contact@fthp.org.uk.