A museum dedicated to the Venerable Bede is holding an exhibition of work by a local artist.

The display at Bede's World, in Jarrow, is called Saints, Singers and Saxons and is by Beryl McCartney, who is better known for her teddy bear illustrations.

She also designed special cards for the museum, which was opened earlier this month by the Queen after a major revamp.

The museum is holding a series of crafts activities for children each day between 10am and noon and between 1pm and 3pm until New Year's Eve. They include calligraphy, brass rubbing and making cards.

Tomorrow, Misericordia will be performing Medieval music throughout the day, and Thor the Storyteller will be entertaining visitors with his tales of adventure.

On Saturday, Les Howe, who made a gold brooch which was presented to the Queen during her visit, will be demonstrating the work of a silversmith.

A museum spokeswoman said: "Les has produced Bede's World collection of jewellery and his demonstration will take visitors through the delicate work required to design and produce beautiful pieces of decoration.''

The museum is open today, tomorrow, and Saturday, between 10am and 4.30pm, and from noon to 4.30pm on New Year's Eve. It is closed on New Year's Day.

For more information about the museum's Christmas break activities, call 0191-489 2106.