MYSTERY locations around Durham city centre provide a puzzling poser for people receiving a popular calendar for next year.

Images of Durham 2002 features 13 close-up shots of buildings in and around the historic core of the city, some of which are pictured here.

But, unlike previous years, there are no captions accompanying the 12 monthly scenes and the front cover photograph.

Instead, recipients of the calendar are challenged to identify all 13 locations and return their answers on a competition entry slip provided in the packaging.

Entries need to be submitted by the end of January, and the first three drawn containing all 13 correct answers will win a signed framed print by calendar photographer Royston Thomas. The next ten will receive signed copies of his Images of Durham book.

Durham City Council commissioned Mr Thomas, who lives in Nevilles Cross, to provide photographs for the calendar for the tenth year. Copies of the calendar are traditionally sent round the world as stocking fillers for Durham exiles.

The council commissioned a print run of 3,000 this year and expects all to be snapped up from local book stores and from the city's Tourist Information Centre.

John Jennings, city council director of environmental services, said Mr Thomas's work reflects 'what sets Durham apart from other cities' in selling it overseas. He said: "It needs Royston's remarkable visual eye to capture the unique charm of Durham, year after year in timeless, stunning images."

Mr Thomas decided on the competition theme after seeing drinkers in one of Durham's most famous hostelries puzzling over locations in previous civic calendars.

Speaking at the calendar launch, at the Half Moon Inn, in New Elvet, he said: "I've had more than the occasional drink here and I've overheard many an argument over where the pictures are taken from. Everyone likes a quiz, so I put the idea to the council and they agreed."

Mr Thomas took 30 shots round the city and the best 13 were selected for the calendar, which is available for £5.