A PHOTOGRAPHER and an artist are holding an exhibition inspired by County Durham's mining heritage.

What started as a hobby for photographer Fred Wilkinson developed into a passion as he started to record images of the Durham Miners' Gala.

Mr Wilkinson, who lives in Durham, was delighted to be offered exhibition space at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, in the same month as the gala.

At the same time, he was preparing his exhibition, artist Alistair Brookes was waiting for space at the venue.

As a child, Mr Brookes watched miners on their way to and from work at Mainsforth Colliery, near Ferryhill, and later recorded his memories on canvas.

Gillian Wales, manager of the venue, suggested they team up because she felt their work would complement each other.

"I try to capture the pride we feel for our mining heritage and the celebration of the gala," said Mr Wilkinson.

"Alistair's black and white pictures are a stark record of the tough back-breaking work in the pits."

Proud of our Heritage is on show at The McGuinness Gallery, in Bishop Auckland Town Hall, until Saturday, July 21.

The gallery is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and Saturday, 9am to 4pm. For details, call 01388-602610.