COUNCIL workers swapped their paperwork for belly dancing, Indian head massage and clarinet lessons.

Durham County Council staff at County Hall left their desks behind to learn skills and try activities as part of a Learning at Work day.

At least 500 workers took part in the event, with 15 braving an Egyptian belly dancing class.

Tony Thompson, a retired adult education officer, who organised the day, said: "The day was about giving people the chance to do something they had not done before. Every session had people attending, and it went very well. The belly dancing class was well subscribed."

Almost 100 activities were on offer, including archaeology, guitar lessons and netball.

The fire service also demonstrated how people are freed from cars after road accidents, using a council employee as the victim.

Council leader Albert Nugent said: "Learning at Work day is a chance for people to pick up new skills and have fun while reinforcing the message that it's never too late to learn.

"It also highlights the important role employers have in providing learning opportunities for their staff."