ORGANISERS of a series of art activities are hoping one of the region's most impressive historic buildings will draw in young and old to the project.

Drawn Together: Making Art in Historic Buildings is part of the Festival of the North East's events marking the Lindisfarne Gospels' return to the region.

The brainchild of international preservation charity World Monuments Fund (WMF) Britain, Auckland Castle will host family-focused art events over two weekends at the beginning of June.

BBC presenter Dr Jonathan Foyle, chief executive of WMF Britain, will launch Drawn Together at the Bishop Auckland landmark on Thursday.

He said: “Drawing is a brilliant way to have fun and be creative, whilst learning a lot.

“Historic buildings are packed with so many interesting details that you often only see them when you try to put them down on paper."

Rowena Hackwood, chief executive of Auckland Castle Trust, added: “The castle is not only home to some of the most significant pieces of art in Europe, but it is an extremely beautiful building which inspires artwork in its own right.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what is produced on the day.”

Pencils and paper will be available for adults and children can grab an ‘art cart’ fully stocked with an array of colourful materials.

Each weekend will also have its own artist-in-residence who will be on hand to give tips on techniques and offer encouragement as well as coming up with their own work.

All artwork created during Drawn Together can be entered into a competition for display alongside the artist-in-residence pieces at Durham Cathedral for the duration of the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition.

Drawn Together at Auckland Castle takes place on June 1 and 2 and again on June 8 and 9, from 10.30am to 4pm each day.

To encourage budding artists to take part, the castle is offering a special two-for-one adult entrance fee, while children go free: just say “Drawn Together” at the door.

Drawn Together weekends will also be held at Hexham Abbey on June 22-23 and June 29-30.