VISITORS got a rare behind-the-scenes look at Palace Green library, near Durham Cathedral, on Saturday.

More than 330 people saw the medieval Exchequer building, as well as Bishop Cosin's beautiful 17th Century library and some treasured illuminated manuscripts, brought out for the event.

Head of heritage collections Dr Sheila Hingley said: "Many said how much they had enjoyed seeing behind the walls of the interesting buildings on Palace Green.

"The demonstration of repairing books and documents by our conservation department, as always, was a real winner with all the visitors.

"A number of people now know what interesting and relevant materials we hold and we hope that they will come back to use them for their own research."

It was among 3,500 sites across England taking part in the annual Heritage Open Days.

Dr Hingley and assistant librarian Dr Richard Higgins shared their expertise with visitors in 40-minute tours.

They included a demonstration by conservators and a display of historic university documents, including the 1837 Durham University Charter.