TRADITIONAL British crafts have been given an Oriental feel in a new exhibition which opened this week.

Dedicated North-East crafts-women are showcasing its latest creations in a display at Durham's Oriental Museum.

All 20 members of Durham Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers have contributed two pieces to the exhibition, Spinning Yarns and Weaving Stories.

It includes vibrant rugs, wall- hanging scarves, tapestries and braids, using a variety of designs and techniques, all inspired by the permanent collections at the Oriental Museum.

Guild chairperson Ann Evans said: "There's more than just a hint of the Orient in the display.

"Most of the inspirations came from the Chinese and Japanese collections here, but there's also a slight Indian and Egyptian feel to some of the exhibits."

Guild members meet twice a month at St Oswald's Church Institute in Church Street, Durham, and have previously exhibited their work at many of the galleries and museums in the city, but never before at the Oriental Museum.

Durham's Mayor, Councillor Mary Hawgood, accompanied by husband, Dr John Hawgood, were among the first visitors to view the exhibition on Monday.

It runs until December 22 at the museum, in Elvet Hill, off South Road, Durham.

Opening times are from 10am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays, and between noon and 5pm on weekends.

Admission is £1.50 for adults and 75p for children, with a family ticket £3.50.