TRADERS are urging people to spend a day being tourists in their own city.

Durham Markets is trying to boost the profile of local tourist attractions in the eyes of people living in and around the city.

It is launching the D(urham) Days over the bank holiday weekend, with special offers at a number of attractions in the city.

Colin Wilkes, Durham Markets manager, said: “Why not be a tourist in your own city?

“Why not try out all the things in Durham that you may not have visited or seen for a considerable period of time?

“You might not have looked around the cathedral for 20 years or been to Crook Hall or even know the heritage museum exists.”

To encourage people to visit, there are several special offers at attractions, including the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre, at 40 North Bailey, Durham University’s Palace Green Library, Prince Bishops River Cruiser and Crook Hall and Gardens.

There are also some special events, including free guided walks of the city centre and river banks with former Durham County Council archivist David Butler.

There will be two walks on Saturday, August 25, with one around the centre starting at 11am and one of the river banks at 1pm.

On Monday, August 27, the inaugural Durham City Classic Car Gala, featuring more than 100 vehicles, is taking place in the Market Place, Millennium Place and Palace Green between 11am and 4pm.

On the same day, The Full Moon Market is on in Market Place, from 11am to 4pm, which combines street food from around the world with live music.

Mr Wilkes said: “The whole reason we are doing this is to encourage those who live locally to come and see what is in the city centre and what attractions they have on their door step.

“We just want to be proud and passionate and positive about our city.”

The campaign also highlights other attractions, including the Oriental Museum, in Elvet Hill, the Botanic Gardens in South Road and Durham Castle and Cathedral.