AN exhibition exploring the history of five north Durham towns and villages goes on display this week.

Entitled Derwentside Then and Now, a Multimedia Extravaganza, it looks at life in the Derwentside communities of Blackhill, Medomsley and Leadgate, near Consett, along with nearby Dipton and Stanley.

Organised by environmental group Groundwork West Durham, it follows the work of photographer Nigel Shuttleworth, graphic designer Dave Hudspeth and local group Busy Ape Arts.

Between them, they have recorded the memories of older residents, and then talked to children about their aspirations.

These have been produced as a CD-ROM, a photographic exhibition and a sculpture.

Project co-ordinator Steph-en McDonald said: "The project is a unique representation of the lives of our older residents and the aspirations of children growing up within those villages.

"The three elements combine to give a fun and interactive exhibition that can be enjoyed by everyone."

The exhibition will be unveiled in Craghead village hall on Friday. It will be on show for two weeks before touring Derwentside.