Plan to illuminate historic city

A £3m project to light up the historic heart of Durham City has been unveiled.

The proposals include updating the illumination of the castle and cathedral and lighting the city's bridges and alleyways.

All street lights in the centre will also be upgraded to improve energy efficiency and reduce light pollution.

The 10-year project will be part of the Durham City 2020 Vision which aims to revitalise the city centre while retaining its heritage.

Lighting architects Speirs and Major Associates have drawn up plans which they say will put the city at the forefront of urban lighting in the UK and Europe.

Previous projects by the firm include lighting the former Millennium Dome at Greenwich, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Burj Al Arab tower in Dubai and the interior of St Paul's Cathedral in London.