A FESTIVAL of geek culture in north Durham has doubled in size.

This year’s MoriaCon will be held in the Louisa Centre in Stanley as well as Stanley Civic Hall next door.

Hundreds of people attended last year for the free celebration of comic, television, film and gaming.

This year, there will be 50 themed traders collectables, games, crafted items, comics and more.

Bond girl Virginia Hey, who appeared in The Living Daylights, and Dr Who actor Terry Malloy, who played Davros, will be at the event on Saturday, July 23, from 11am to 5pm.

Activities to take part in include retro gaming, trading card gaming and tournaments, and board gaming from Dark Matter Café and Consett Gaming Society.

It is organised by Dark Matter Events and Stanley Town Council.

Dan Pye, of Dark Matter Events, said: “This is an incredible culture, of passionate, enthusiastic fans, and we work together to celebrate this all together at a brilliant free event, and I’m particularly looking forward to meeting a Bond girl.

“This is an incredible event for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather and experience the fandom culture.

“It’s a perfect first event for anyone to come and sample tasters of some of the wonders larger conventions boast”.