COMIC legend Stan Laurel will feature heavily in a new exhibition to be staged in Bishop Auckland's Discovery Centre.

The centre's final exhibition of the year will focus on the history of entertainment in the town.

The month-long display, which opens today, includes everything from the famous Jefferson family, of which Stan was a member, to the popular Eden theatre. Stan, one half of legendary film duo Laurel and Hardy, grew up in Bishop Auckland. He went to school at the former King James Grammar School and his father managed the Eden Theatre.

A blue plaque is now displayed outside the former family home in Waldron Street.

The exhibition has been compiled and researched by Tony Hillman and Mavis Dixon. In addition to the display, local movie enthusiast Tony Hillman will be giving a talk in the centre about the film history of the North-East on Friday, December 5, at 7pm.

Admission will be £2. To book places call Vicky Holbrough or Paul Compton on (01388) 662666.

Opening hours at the centre, which is situated behind the town hall, are 11am-4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays and admission is free.