A NEW North-East landmark will be christened in style at the weekend as it provides the latest stage for the Durham County Show.

Herrington Country Park, on more than 400-acres of restored colliery land in the shadow of Penshaw Monument, will be the new regular venue for the country show, which dates back to 1841.

Thousands are expected to visit the new showground over the weekend lured by a long-list of attractions, including horse shows, fun runs, live music, display teams, trade stands and a farmers' market.

Show secretary Christine Duke believes the traditional event is ideally suited to its new home.

"The Durham County Show is a prestigious event and Herrington Country Park will provide the perfect setting to become its permanent, annual home.

"There's something for all the family to enjoy, from show jumping and a two-day dog show, to military re-enactments, marching bands, live music, model boat regatta and stalls selling the best in local produce."

The country park, believed to be the largest of its kind in the North-East, has transformed the site of the old Herrington Colliery, providing the people of the area with a huge new recreation space.

Saturday's official opening is the culmination of a project first mooted when the pit closed in 1985.

The site features a 3,000-seat amphitheatre, eight lakes, 12km of footpath and cycleways, a 5km bridleway, 100-acres of local native trees, plus 10km of hedgerow, with 333,000 trees and shrubs, intermingled with large outdoor sculptures. It's bowl-shaped amphitheatre will provide the stage for an array of music from local groups over the weekend.

Festivities begin on Saturday with a fun run around the boundaries of the park, at 10am, begun by Sunderland's Mayor, Coun Peter Gibson. Gates to the showground open from 9am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday with parking free.