A SPRING fair to explain the workings of a remarkable organisation that exchanges goods and services without the need for cash takes place this weekend.

Durham Exchange is holding its open day at the Town Hall, in the Market Place, from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday.

The organisation is hoping to recruit members and raise funds for its activities. Members offer each other goods and services, but are paid in time rather than cash.

For example, someone with electrical skills may spend an hour fixing a computer for someone in the organisation and, in exchange, receive an hour's help from a gardener or, alternatively, bank the time for use at a later date.

The public is invited to the open day to learn more about how the system works. The event will include art workshops, taster massage sessions, children's crafts, food, plants and bric-a-brac - all for sale in terms of time.

For more information, call 0191-373 2296.