Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has met officials at the British Library to view a facsimiles of the Lindisfarne Gospels before they go on exhibition in the region. The facsimiles will be given to Durham Cathedral and the Lindisfarne community which have important links with the original gospels written 1300 years ago.

Alan Campbell said,

" These facsimiles are quite remarkable and will allow many more people to see this historic work than would otherwise do so. Coupled with internet access and the Gospels will reach a much wider audience. The Linsdisfarne Gospels are of huge significance both in terms of the history of Northumbria but also the history of Christianity. We believe of course that the original should be in the region but I understand the arguments about the importance of keeping them in the right environment and displaying them within the context of Christian history. These facsimiles are certainly the next best thing and I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to visit them".