Calendar images of city are distributed around the world

The award-winning Images of Durham calendar, featuring the work of photographer Royston Thomas, who is based in the city, has remained consistently in demand over the 12 years since the first was published.

Previous publications have regularly landed Durham City Council honours among high-profile competition from names such as Pirelli, Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce, in the National Business Calendar Awards.

This year, the public was asked to choose the 13 images - one for each month and one for the cover.

The striking black and white photographs captured by Mr Thomas include an internal cathedral shot featuring the Chapel of the Nine Altars and the Rose Window.

Four of the monthly images feature the cathedral, two external and two internal, while other locations include the Old Fulling Mill Museum and nearby weir, a River Wear rowing scene, and the statues of mining union figures outside the NUM regional headquarters, at Redhills.

There is also a Miners' Gala day scene, outside the Royal County Hotel. Other landmarks featured are St Nicholas' Church spire and the Londonderry statue, in the market place, and the Bailey junction with Bow and Dun Cow lanes.

John Jennings, the city council's director of environmental services, said: "In promoting Durham City worldwide, we need to single out those aspects which define its unique and dramatic character.

"The Images of Durham calendar enables us to do this with style, illustrating in a sublime way the treasure trove of architectural gems that make the city such a distinctive place to live, work and visit."

Mr Jennings said that of the 3,500 printed, many have already been posted to business and tourist contacts as far away as China, Australia, New Zealand and the US.

Images of Durham is £6.99, available from the Tourist Information Centre, at the Gala Theatre and from some city council offices.

To order a copy, call 0191-384 3720, or go to www.durhamcity. gov.uk