HIS name is Bond, James Bond, and his exploits have made billions and inspired a string of movies, songs and trivia quiz questions.

Now the world's most famous secret agent is the subject of a month-long exhibition put together by a North-East film enthusiast to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Bond film Dr No.

Posters, model and photographs from the 20 Bond movies are on display in the Bishop Auckland Discovery Centre, where they attracted a record number of visitors on the opening day last week.

They all belong to collector Tony Hillman, from Darlington, who has put together displays featuring all the best Bond gadgetry, his girls, his daring stunts and some of the most villainous 'baddies' in the cinema world.

Paul Compton, the centre's assistant co-ordinator, said: "This has been one of our most popular exhibitions. It has all the Bond actors and films right up to the latest, Die Another Day."

The exhibition is free and is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. The Discovery Centre is in Bishop Auckland Market Place, next to the Sportsman Inn.