A FORMER prisoner of war camp which is becoming a major tourist attraction in County Durham is holding festive events to pull in more visitors, including a visit from Father Christmas.

Harperley POW Camp, near Wolsingham, has attracted thousands of visitors since opening a gift shop, restaurant, touring caravan site and garden centre at Easter.

Owners James and Lisa McLeod have organised attractions for the Christmas season including festive lights, and a Christmas shop at the camp, which is being transformed into a museum.

This week, it hosts the start of a series of traditional German Christmas markets with stalls selling gifts and food and a Santa's Grotto based in the former jail block.

The Christmas market starts on Thursday and continues until December 23, open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays between 1pm and 5pm.