THE MULTI-cultural North-East comes under the spotlight at a Hartlepool exhibition for children this week.

Youngsters have been getting hands-on experience of the Muslim faith at Hartlepool Art Gallery where Islamic clothes, rituals and decorations have been on display.

An opportunity to learn about other religions, the exhibition also includes a display of Christian imagery, featuring photographs of statues ransacked during the Reformation.

Naomi Beeley, Hartlepool Borough Council's learning and access officer, said: "Pictures of faces and statues damaged during the Reformation show youngsters what can happen when religious intolerance is allowed to happen.

"By showing them aspects of Islam, we hope to show them that unfamiliar religions should be tolerated.

"It also gave them a great chance to dress up in traditional Muslim clothing and send each other Eid cards.

"These are cards sent to each other while Christians enjoy Christmas."

The exhibition will run for one more week, when the theme will be Christianity.