A HIDDEN treasure of the North-East will celebrate a 21st anniversary this weekend.

Durham’s Botanic Garden is 25 acres of woodland, on the outskirts of the city, run by Durham University.

The garden features plants from China, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, North America, South Africa and Chile, and is home to an alpine garden, woodland garden and bamboo grove.

Greenhouses contain plants from tropical rainforests, deserts and the Mediterranean, along with insects, butterflies, scorpions and tarantulas.

To celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the visitor centre, bosses are offering two entry tickets for the price of one, on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday there will be face painting, balloon modelling and magic shows, while on Sunday there will be an MG car rally.

Summer opening times are 10am to 5pm, seven days a week. Admission charges are £4 for adults, £3 for concessions, £1.50 for children and students, free for under-fives and helpers and carers.