PRINCESS Anne will visit one of the region's leading museums this week to open an attraction.

The Princess Royal will be at Beamish Museum on Friday to open its period Carriage House in Beamish Town.

The house, a major extension to the stable yard at the rear of the Sun Inn, is typical of those found in northern market towns in the early 1900s.

It was built using authentic materials including cast iron roof trusses, gateposts and brackets and was funded by grants from the Vaux Foundation and the European Regional Development Fund.

Displayed inside is a collection of restored horse-drawn vehicles. A working blacksmith's forge has also been recreated.