ANYONE fed up with turkey and tinsel can take part in what is billed as the perfect antidote to Christmas - a walk through centuries of death, dirt and disease.

Archivist and historian David Butler is giving up his Christmas Day to lead a walk through the seedier side of Durham's history, highlighting some of the less cheery episodes.

The walk starts at 2pm, just when many of the city's residents will be tucking into their Christmas dinner.

Now in its tenth year, the event is thought to be the only council-organised guided walk in the country on Christmas Day.

"It is unusual," said Mr Butler. "It's my antidote to Christmas and a perfect way to walk off dinner."

Despite concentrating on the gloomier side of the city's past, the walks have proved popular.

Mr Butler said: "When we first suggested the Christmas Day walk I was told that no-one would turn up. But we had more than 50 people on the first walk and have never had less than 25, whatever the weather."

The two-mile walk starts in the Market Place and moves through Elvet, Gilesgate and Claypath.

The walk costs £2 for adults and £1 for children, the over 60s and people not earning a wage.

On Boxing Day, Mr Butler will lead a four-mile walk called Where was Newton Hall?, starting at 1pm from the DLI Museum car park.