A MUSEUM is getting into the festive spirit by waiving admission charges on two days over Christmas.

The DLI - formerly the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery at Aykley Heads, Durham - is offering free entry to visitors on Boxing Day and New Year's Day - a saving of £6.25 for a family ticket.

The Durham County Council-run museum is devoted to the history of the Durham Light Infantry. There are also two exhibitions showing in the museum gallery.

Councillor Alan Cox, Durham County Council's cabinet member for culture, said: "National museums, mostly in London, can now offer free entry all the time because they receive national funding.

"Museums and galleries in County Durham unfortunately don't enjoy national funding, so we are not in a position to throw open the doors free every day. But we wanted to join in the spirit of free access to prestigious museums - and the DLI is certainly at the top of the tree of regimental museums in the country.

"Giving free entry on both these days is a way of doing just that and a little Christmas present to local people and visitors alike."

The DLI encourages youngsters to clamber on military vehicles and handle items from the collections, including First World War equipment.

Durham Art Gallery is showing a family exhibition called the Magic of Masks and Puppets, which includes giant Russian dolls, Punch and Judy and puppets and models from films and television.

A second exhibition - Ikons of Identity - features masks by 18 contemporary makers.

The complex is open from 10am to 4pm on both days