THE importance of the River Wear to Durham City is featured in a new exhibiton.

Held every year, the public exhibition is put together by students on Durham University's MA in Museum and Artefact Studies course.

Entitled Wealth of the Wear, this year's exhibition at The Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology in Durham, runs until Monday, December 22.

Tracey Ingle, of the city's Riverbanks Management Committee, said: "The River Wear is the principle reason Durham exists.

"This exhibition aims to highlight the importance of the river in the settlement, development and culture of Durham City, in the past, the present and the future.

"It focuses on geology and natural history, living and working on the river, myths and legends, the river today and its conservation for the future.

"Visitors can find out about the riverside they are walking along, children and school groups will discover more about the river through interactive and fun displays, while residents will gain an insight into something they perhaps take for granted," she said.