COUNTY Durham pupils have captured their view of Japan in an art exhibition being held this week.

Images of Japan, at County Hall, Durham, tomorrow (oct30), Wednesday and Thursday (Nov 1) is part of a county-wide programme of events celebrating the country-wide Japan 2001 festival.

The work of primary and secondary pupils has been inspired by the culture and lifestyle of the Land of the Rising Sun.

During the summer they took part in a series of workshops at Durham's Oriental Museum with artists who specialise in Japanese art and craft.

Original Japanese artefacts from the museum and a unique selection of Japanese kites will be on show and there will be a series of demonstrations including kite-making and origami _ the art of paper folding.

Staff and students from the Teikyo University based in Durham will also help celebrate the festival.

Gillian Wall, Durham County Council's arts development manager, said: "The exhibition will begin with a prize-giving to every school that has taken part.

"We are really excited that the Japanese Consul General, Mr Tsutomu Hiraoaka, is to present the prizes.''

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in the festival by taking time out to have a look at, and even have a go at, some of the traditional activities of this incredible country.''

The exhibition, which is free, is open from 10am to 4pm.

Demonstrations will take place between noon and 2pm on each day with kite making on Tuesday, origami on Wednesday and Batik on Thursday.