MORE than 1,000 visitors are expected to descend on a hamlet this weekend for its annual art exhibition.

Thirty-five North-East artists will have work on display at the three-day exhibition, in St John's Church hall at Snods Edge, near Consett, County Durham. Last year's event attracted about 1,400 visitors.

"I don't know where they all come from - it is incredible," said Wilf Smurthwaite, one of the organisers. "It is the artists really who have given us a cracking name.

"We started off about 20 years ago and it really has grown into something special."

Along with the artwork, visitors also come for the tasty food served up by the church committee, helping to make the event the biggest fundraiser in the committee's calendar.

The exhibition runs in the village hall from today until Monday, between 10am and 6pm. Admission is 30p.