PICTURES from the new book by Durham historian Michael Richardson have gone on display in the city.

Photographs from Durham Miners' Gala between 1935 and 1960 are on show at the Durham Heritage Centre and Museum, in St Mary-le-Bow, North Bailey.

The exhibition, which looks at all aspects of the Big Meeting in its heyday before and after World War Two, is open today, from 11am to 4pm.

People in outlying areas will be able to visit three smaller displays of pictures featured in the book. These will be held in the branch libraries at Belmont, Newton Hall and Brandon during normal opening hours until next Thursday.

Mr Richardson, of Gilesgate, has amassed an archive of thousands of old photographs over the years, which have appeared in his books.

He said: "The gala book seems to be doing well and the exhibition has been so successful at the heritage centre that it is going to be split into three mini exhibitions.

"The photographs which appear in the book have been saved by being used. People will be able to get copies of them from Beamish Museum."