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

Photographs from Durham Miners' Gala 1935-1960, which looks at all aspects of the Big Meeting in its heyday before and after World War Two, are on show at the Durham Heritage Centre and Museum, in St Mary-le-Bow, North Bailey.

The exhibition is open from 11am to 4pm today.

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 Thursday.

Visitors will be able to buy signed copies of the book.

Mr Richardson, of Gilesgate, has amassed an archive of thousands of old photographs over the years, which have appeared in his popular 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 that appear in the book have been saved by being used. People will be able to get copies of them from Beamish Museum."