TEXTILE pictures are being created for a touring exhibition that will show how the landscape has changed in a rural valley over the centuries.

The 36 works of art are being made by pupils from 12 primary schools and several community groups in the Teesdale area around Barnard Castle, County Durham.

They will tour village halls and various venues in the North-East in the summer and then go on display for three months at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle.

The project is being organised by Anne Noble, manager of the Green Explorers group, in Barnard Castle, with the help of a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative Fund.

One textile depicts Cow Green reservoir as it is now, with plenty of wildlife around it, protected by an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Another shows the same landscape as it might have been without the protection, including an industrial chimney, pylons, roads, a helicopter base and hot air balloon.

There is a scene which shows a coal mine at Woodland, with underground pit pony, lift cage, big wheel, locomotive and smoking chimney.

A contrasting one depicts a tranquil setting with a cluster of wild flowers and a bird perched on a twig.

Mrs Noble said, "Some excellent work is being done, highlighting changes in different eras from the days of the Romans.

"I am sure it will create a lot of interest when all the textiles are completed and go on display."