A DISPLAY of rare spar boxes closes at the weekend at the Killhope Lead Mining Museum, in Upper Weardale.

More than 50 boxes crafted from black, blue and green crystals unearthed from the North Pennine hills have been seen by 12,000 people over the summer months.

The elaborate exhibits range from Victorian specimens made by lead miners in their spare time to the work of present day craftspeople carrying on the tradition.

Museum manager Ian Forbes said the display, which was so popular that it was extended for a month, had been one of the most spectacular ever staged at the museum.

He said: "We started with 40 boxes and more were added as we went along. After the weekend they will go their separate ways and it is unlikely they will ever be brought together as a collection again. It has been one of our most popular exhibitions ever."

The museum is open from 10.30am to 5pm daily. For details telephone (01388) 537505.