LOTTERY players can gain free entry to an award-winning art gallery.

From Thursday, December 27 until Sunday, December 30 the Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland Market Place will give free entry to anyone with an official paper or digital National Lottery ticket or scratch card.

The gallery, part of The Auckland Project, is one of hundreds of National Lottery-funded visitor attractions across the country to thank people who raised money for good causes by buying a lottery ticket.

The gallery has not directly received Lottery funding, but the wider Auckland Project has had £12.4m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Hannah Peaden, head of visitor experience at The Auckland Project, said: “We are so grateful for all the support given by National Lottery players via the Heritage Lottery Fund, it’s lovely to be able to say thank you. Our team of staff and volunteers are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the gallery as part of this special festive offer. Whether coming along for the first time, showing visiting family or friends Bishop Auckland’s award-winning gallery or taking the opportunity to see the new exhibition Breaking Ground– Women of the Northern Coalfields, this is a great way to spend a day out after the Christmas celebrations.”

Recently named the North East’s Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, the gallery houses artworks reflecting miners' home and work life and has a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions.

The Mining Art Gallery is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are usually £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for under-16s and include access to Auckland Tower.