A VILLAGE pub is playing "mine host" to a photographic exhibition featuring the wild landscape and heritage of a County Durham dale.

Photographs by James Swan capture the industrial history of Weardale up to and including the demolition of the Blue Circle cement works. They go on show at the Cross Keys, Eastgate, on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Swan, who lives and works at Rookhope, is hoping the exhibition - the first to be staged in the pub - will play a part in helping to develop the tourist trade in the dale.

He also has plans to prepare a book of his photographs, featuring scenes like the Rookhope Arch and the now derelict Groverake fluorspar mine just outside the village.

For more information about the exhibition call (01388) 517234.