An MP has launched a bid for a historic railway line to become a world heritage site.
Alan Strickland, the Labour member for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, made the call for the Stockton and Darlington Railway to be recognised by UNESCO during a debate in the House of Commons.
More than 100,000 people from across the world travelled to County Durham, Darlington and Teesside this year to mark 200 years since the world's first passenger railway.
A weekend of celebrations in September saw the original 1825 journey of the Locomotion vividly brought back to life along the full 26-mile route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Tens of thousands of people lined the track from Shildon to Stockton as the engine made a three-day journey.
Alan Strickland said of the railway: "I was proud to welcome thousands of visitors to my constituency recently to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington railway, but we want to build a permanent tourism legacy.
"Will the Leader of the House help me to meet the relevant minister to discuss whether we could put forward this fantastic, historic line to be a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Highlights also included a royal visit from the Duke of Edinburgh to Locomotion in Shildon and Hopetown in Darlington, where he toured exhibitions and met the team behind the replica of Locomotion No. 1.
Responding, the leader of the House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell, said: "[Alan Strickland] is absolutely right to champion such a worthy cause. As the house will know, the Stockton and Darlington railway was the first public railway to use steam trains. I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant minister to make his case."
Niccy Hallifax, festival director, praised the impact the events had on people from around the world.
She added: "The Stockton and Darlington Railway 200 anniversary celebrations were a powerful recognition of our legacy, our people, and our future. From the thousands of people and media outlets who attended the various activities to the communities and volunteers who took part, the energy and pride were truly inspiring.
"We're incredibly proud of this region and its pioneering heritage - this celebration was a fitting tribute to everything we stand for and once again showcased us to the world."