WITH just over six weeks to go until the opening night of Kynren - An Epic Tale of England’ its venue on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland is taking shape and will reach a key stage today.

A time lapse video charts how the former disused golf course at Eleven Arches, on the edge of Bishop Auckland, is being rapidly transformed into the 7.5acre stage for the open air night show.

An important feature of the arena is a lake, from which vast hydraulic systems will lift parts of the set, and filling it with water should be completed today.

The Tribune stand will seat audiences of up to 8,000 people for each of the 14 shows throughout summer, starting on Saturday, July 2 and 30 lorry loads of sand and fibre mix have just arrived onsite so a track can be laid for horses to take part in the show.

Kynren tells the story of England, seen through the eyes of a North East boy called Arthur, who encounters myth, legend and history from Roman times to World War II.

A cast of crew of more than 600 will bring the show to life on each night, along with pyrotechnics, lighting, water jets and music and hundreds more volunteers are involved in the attraction, which it is hoped will help regenerate the town.

Tickets are priced between £25 and £55 for adults and £19 to £41 for children. For details or to book visit kynren.co.uk.