MORE than 1,000 people from around the country visited a popular North-East museum to view one of the largest collections of French Impressionist paintings to go on display in the region.

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, drew large crowds from all over the country as part of a free day to celebrate its Road to Impressionism exhibition, which will close on Sunday.

A total of 1,200 people visited the 19th Century attraction in less than two hours to take advantage of a free admission offer on Saturday, and were treated to music and talks in the galleries.

The exhibition is one of the largest collections of French Impressionist paintings to come to the North-East and has proved so popular that it is now destined for London.

Louise Stephenson, commercial development officer at the Bowes Museum, said: "We were delighted to be able to offer free admission for the afternoon, the aim of which was to give something back to the local community who support us all year round."