A TOWN’S heritage and the creative talent will be celebrated in a new exhibition.

Experience Bishop Auckland opens at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Monday, September 10, and will feature archive photographs and lithographs of the town and surrounding areas.

The black and white images, from Durham County Record Office and the Historic England Archive, have been enlarged for the exhibition, and offer an insight into bygone days.

Many of the images feature places within the Bishop Auckland Heritage Action Zone, a five-year project by Durham County Council and Historic England to use history to help boost the economy in parts of the town centre.

And just as Bishop Auckland continues to evolve so will the exhibition, with a series of Engage Workshops allowing members of the community to produce their own photographs, creative writing and mixed media projects.

On September 22, from 10am to noon, and September 26, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, photographer Louise Taylor will help people create their own photographic work based on images within the gallery. No equipment or experience is required.

On October 17, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, and October 20, from 10am to noon, playwright David Napthine will lead creative writing workshops at the venue.

And on November 24, from 10am to noon, and December 5, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, artist Vicky Holbrough will guide people to create eye-catching mixed media images.

Janet Strong, operations officer at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, said: “This exhibition does more than shine a spotlight on Bishop Auckland’s fascinating past; it celebrates the talented and innovative people that live and work in the area today.

“It also looks to the future, as our rich heritage will help us to revitalise the town, drawing in visitors and boosting the economy.”

Experience Bishop Auckland runs until December 23. The Engage Workshops are £2 per person and no prior experience is needed. They are suitable for people aged 12 and over, although children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult at the photography workshop. To book, call 03000-269524 or visit bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk

Walking tours linked to the exhibition will also take place on September 7, from 10am to noon, and September 15, from 9.30am to 11.30am. To book a place, call 03000-269524.