VISITORS to a popular North-East attraction are being given extra time to enjoy an exhibition which explores religious devotion in the aftermath of the notorious Gunpowder Plot.

Plots and Spangles at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, had been due to finish earlier this month after a six month run.

But the exhibition has been extended to give the thousands of visitors expected to flock to Bishop Auckland Food Festival this weekend the chance to see it.

There will be free entry to the castle on Saturday and Sunday for one weekend only.

Plots and Spangles centres on the terrible fate handed out to one devout Catholic family caught up in the failed 1605 conspiracy to murder King James I and his government.

Created by Helena Wintour, these are 13 lavishly embroidered priest’s vestments brought together for the first time in nearly 350 years, telling the compelling and tragic tale of her religious devotion in the years following the brutal execution of her father and two uncles, for their part in the Gunpowder Plot.

They are displayed alongside other 17th century artefacts, including the preserved eyeball of a Jesuit priest who was hanged, drawn and quartered after being found guilty by association of being involved in the Gunpowder treachery, which more than 400 years on is still marked every Bonfire Night.

Clare Baron, Auckland Castle’s curator of temporary exhibitions, said: “We have been thrilled by the response to Plots and Spangles from visitors of all ages, and we hope that by extending it over the Bishop Auckland Food Festival weekend when the castle will be open for free, it will give even more people the chance to see a stunning exhibition.”