AN exhibition of "hidden treasures" at a North-East museum impressed two visitors so much that they decided to donate some exhibits of their own.

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, has been running Hidden Treasures since the summer, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

But two visitors in particular enjoyed the display so much that they decided to donate a painting and scarf, relating to the museum founder's love of horse racing.

Several of the pictures on display were very similar to the visitor's own engraving of John Bowes' own racehorse, Meteor, which won the 2000 Guineas in 1842.

The painting is by the famous 19th Century race horse artist Harry Hall.

The second donation is a scarf which depicts every Derby winner since 1780.

The framed scarf belonged to the visitor's late husband and has been on display at her home for the past 30 years.

The centre of the scarf features the 1908 Derby winner, with the rest made up of small medallions with details of every other winner.

Four of the horses belonged to John Bowes, and the visitor felt it should go on display in the museum instead.

Dr Anne Allen, audience development manager at the museum, said: "The Bowes Museum is very excited that these missing winners have returned to the fold.

"The two new exhibits illustrate John Bowes' passion for horse racing."