MEMORIES of the maritime past of one of the North-East's famous shipbuilding rivers have gone on public display.

An exhibition, the History of Shipbuilding, opened at Sunderland's National Glass Centre, which stands on the site of one of Wearside's former shipyards.

Harking back to the days when shipbuilding thrived on the river, it has attracted widespread interest.

Since announcing it planned to stage the exhibition and appealed for memorabilia from the shipyards, the centre has been inundated with material.

Old photographs, paintings, tools and workwear all feature in the display.

Some former yard workers even supplied video footage of shipbuilding and launches - red letter days on the river.

Others have agreed to take part in a series of afternoon talks about their lives and experiences in the shipyards.

They are recounting stories, peppered with humour, offering younger people an insight into everyday life in the yards.

National Glass Centre spokeswoman Alison Lumsdon said: "The centre is a natural place for shipbuilding exhibitions, standing on the site of the old Thompson yard. We feel a great obligation to keep alive the memories of Wearside's shipbuilding heritage and are proud to be hosting this exhibition."

It can be viewed at the centre, off Dame Dorothy Road, Sunderland, until August 25