YOUNG people from across the country will be heading to Durham City next week, for a holiday with a difference.

Instead of basking on a sun-kissed beach, a group of 16 to 30-year-olds will spend a week helping to preserve the city's heritage.

Their working holiday will involve helping with the conservation and preservation of the city's famed cathedral.

During their time they will be put to work on a variety of different tasks to ensure that the cathedral, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over Britain and abroad, stays in good condition.

The volunteers are undertaking the work as part of a project run by the Cathedral Camps Organisation which arranges teams to help with the conservation of cathedrals throughout the country.

A cathedral spokesman said: "When the campers are busy in and around the cathedral they will be easily recognisable in their red T-shirts with the Cathedral Camp logo.

"Some of the volunteers may be interested in conservation and architecture, others may want their work as campers to be part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

"Some will simply want a challenge, a different kind of holiday, and the opportunity to meet new people.

The volunteers will be staying in Durham for seven days, starting on Wednesday.