PHOTOGRAPHS of exotic creatures are going on display in County Durham.

Indian wildlife photographer and conservationist DK Bhasker is visiting the country for six months and has brought some of his work with him.

His pictures of tigers and elephants will be displayed at Durham's Botanic Gardens for about two weeks, starting this weekend, and displays elsewhere in the county are being considered.

Mr Bhasker, from Bangalore, has been taking wildlife pictures for four-and-a-half-years and his work is well-known in his home country.

"My main target audience is children and the general public. Wildlife is something of a passion. It is not something I consider a day-to-day activity.

"There is so much to learn from nature in all parts of the world whether it is Antarctica, The North Sea or the coldest parts of Canada.

"There is a huge awareness of wildlife conservation in India. It is a very encouraging sign and it is interesting to see how conservation is done here.

"I love to give back what I have gained from nature.''

Mr Bhasker has also been giving talks to schools and nature groups as well as capturing the local wildlife on film.

For details about the exhibition, call the Botanic Gardens on 0191-374 3740.