THE trappings of Christmases past were recreated at the weekend.

Beamish, the County Durham outdoor museum dedicated to the region's industrial heritage, invited visitors to make Victorian-style festive cards and decorations.

Examples of the real thing were on display in the Roland Cookson Room, in The Town.

Workshops were held yesterday and Saturday, and visitors were able to take their handiwork away with them.

The museum's education department has held similar sessions for visiting school parties, and decided to extend the scheme to adults on the last day that it was open before its Christmas break.

The museum reopens on January 2 when visitors will be able look around The Town and ride on the tramway.