THE Romans are returning to the North-East when a re-enactment group "encamps" in Durham during half-term week.

But if retro-Roman does not whet the appetite, day-trippers could instead get a taste of the Orient at another city attraction.

Members of Roma Antiqua will display clothing, weapons and medical equipment from the time of the Roman occupation of Britain, at Durham University's Old Fulling Mill Museum, on Tuesday, from 1pm until 3pm.

It is one of a series of family activities linked to the museum's collections, taking place each afternoon, from Tuesday until Friday.

Other sessions include making chain mail, story-telling and "Dr North's Archaeological Detective Agency", in which participants follow clues to "unearth" hidden gems.

Museum curator Craig Barclay said: "Families taking a stroll along the river banks can just drop in, the idea being that children from five to 11 can have a go at the activities on offer, while parents or carers can have a cup of tea."

Heading further east, children can try Japanese calligraphy and origami at Durham University's Oriental Museum, with help from Japanese students from neighbouring Teikyo University.

These activities, among others, are taking place each afternoon, from today until Friday, all linked to the Chinese, Japanese and Egyptian collections at the museum, in Elvet Hill.

For details, call Fulling Mill on 0191-374-3623, or the Oriental Museum, on 0191-334-5694.