AN exhibition highlighting efforts to help the environment has been hailed a success.

More than 600 people, including many families, attended the event, which was organised by Durham City Council and which was held at the city's Town Hall on Saturday.

The council has introduced a policy of biodiversity, which means work such as grass cutting is now done in a way which minimises the impact on both the environment and wildlife.

The exhibition, called Wildlife On Your Doorstep, highlighted the new policy and the work of other environmental groups.

Among the exhibitors were Durham University's Botanic Gardens, which had a live tarantula on display, the Durham Beekeepers' Association, which took a hive of bees to the event, and the Durham Bat Group, which had live bats on show.

Among the visitors to the exhibition were County Durham naturalist Professor David Bellamy and Durham Mayor Councillor Mary Hawgood.

Council deputy leader Grenville Holland was the co-ordinator for the event.

He said: "We are really grateful to all those who contributed to the exhibition, which recognised the partnership between this council and those dedicated to the welfare of our local environment.

"What was particularly pleasing was the number of children and families who spent time in the Town Hall.

"The whole exercise strengthens the resolve of our city council to develop policies that protect the natural environment in Durham and its district."