Visitors to St Peter's Church, Byers Green, near Spennymoor, yesterday enjoyed a journey into the past.

An exhibition looking at life in Byers Green, Newfield and Binchester, which has been on show at the church since the beginning of the month, was brought to a fitting climax yesterday with a village fete.

Organiser Hilary Dryden, said the day raised more than £1,000.

The exhibition will be displayed in the church for a further two weeks, but anyone wishing to view it will have to telephone one of the organisers, because the church will be closed.

Telephone numbers are available on a notice on the church door.