THE Art Fund, a charity which buys art for national collections and saves works from export abroad, has a flourishing group covering Durham and Cleveland which is planning two events this autumn open to non-members.

This first is a lecture on the Middleham Jewel at St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Darlington, on Thursday, September 10.

Then on Thursday, October 1, a day in York will include a visit York Art Gallery, which has just been refurbished at a cost of £8m, with its outstanding collection of British studio ceramics, a two-course lunch and visit to the exhibition Richard III: Man and Myth at the Yorkshire Museum, which includes the Middleham Jewel.

Anyone who would like to join the York visit should contact Lesley Taylor on 01833 650789 or email lesleytaylor9@btinternet.com. For the lecture, contact Sandra Pollard on 01325 720525 or email sjperyholme@aol.com.

This month more than 50 members of the Durham and Cleveland branch and friends were welcomed at Mill Hill Farm, Cotherstone, by owners Anne and Jim Ridgway. where they explored the two-acre garden with its meadow walks, a stream as an unexpected feature, formal potager and a newly-discovered well.

This raised £900 for the Art Fund.

Nationally, the fund relies on subscriptions and donations from more than 117,000 members, who in return receive reduced entry rates to many museums and exhibitions.

Last year, the Art Fund in the North raised £15,500, including £7,500 from the Durham and Cleveland branch. Overall, the network throughout the UK raised £350,000 net income for 2014, which is £30,000 more than 2013. For details of how to join, visit artfund.org or telephone 08444 154100.