DUSTY photographs and family memories are being given a modern makeover.

Bishop Auckland residents are receiving lessons covering the preservation and presentation of family treasures, for the benefit of future generations.

Members of the over-50s Evergreen group and other residents had their first scrapbooking session on Wednesday.

Among them was Doreen Howe, from Bishop Auckland, whose parents owned a fish and chip shop in the town.

She said: "I wanted to put my photographs into a form which I could keep easily. It's been really enjoyable looking at them again - it's like a history lesson. I've been inspired by it."

Judy Otter, who led the workshop, said: "It's given people loads of ideas about what they can do with their photographs, and things they keep, but don't quite know what to do with.

"Scrapbooking is a creative way to display and preserve those memories. It's it's becoming more popular here."

Further sessions will be held in Bishop Auckland Town Hall every Wednesday until May 23, from noon to 1pm.

The sessions are free for Evergreen members, and £2 for visitors.