HUNDREDS of people are expected to snap up a seasonal offer of free entry to a top Durham museum.

The dli - formerly the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery - is giving the 'Santa Special' on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Last year nearly 600 visitors flocked to the dli, which is run by Durham County Council, to save £6.25 on a family ticket.

This year visitors will be able to try on and handle World War One items from the museum's collection, including grenades, rifles and helmets, and youngsters will be able to clamber on armoured vehicles and wear specially-designed red military tunics.

The gallery will host Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter, a touring exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Another display in the gallery, In-Art-Iculate, features wacky machines including a Jelly Wobbler and an Unplugger.

The museum's caf will offer a free mince pie with every tea or coffee ordered.

Councillor Alan Cox said: "Museums and galleries in County Durham unfortunately don't enjoy national funding so we're not in a position to throw open the doors free every day but this is our way of joining in the spirit."

The dli, at Aykley Heads, will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days.