A MUSEUM is joining in a regional campaign to help people reduce stress.

Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, is encouraging visitors to take time out for Peace and Tranquillity Week, which runs until Saturday.

The week was created by County Durham Tourism Partnership and Northumberland Tourism Partnership after research highlighted the North-East as the best area in the UK to find rest and relaxation.

On Saturday, the museum's new Streatlam Galleries will be free to enter, and there will be a harpist playing in the picture galleries, where the museum's main attraction, the silver swan, is.

The museum's cafe has also created a Teesdale food menu, which will be on offer all month.

Melanie Sensicle, from the partnership, said: "Durham and Northumberland are the ideal spots in which to launch a week dedicated especially to those seeking peace and tranquillity."

The museum, cafe and shop are open daily from 10am to 5pm.