SHOPPERS seeking gifts with a difference are in for a magical Magyar treat today.

A group of Hungarian craftspeople, from the county's twinned area of Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, are bringing their goods to the region.

The exotic shopping opportunity will take place in a marquee, alongside the work of local craftspeople, at Durham Cathedral's Palace Green, in the city today.

As well as handcrafted decorations and toys, the visitors will be selling Christmas honey cake, handmade wooden gifts, pottery, handwoven goods and jewellery.

Before setting up their stalls on Palace Green, the Hungarian guests provided a sneak preview of some of their festive items at County Hall in the city yesterday.

Brian Stobie, county council international officer, said: "A number of tour companies specialise in shopping trips to European markets in the run up to Christmas. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the experience and buy some unusual gifts without having to make all the travel arrangements."