HUNDREDS of free tickets to live theatre in the region will be on offer over the next two years.

The Highlights Rural Touring scheme for the North Pennines and County Durham is one of 200 organisations and theatres to offer free theatre tickets to people under 26 as part of a new national scheme called A Night Less Ordinary.

Rosie Cross, the co-director of Highlights, said: “As part of the national scheme, we can offer free tickets to anyone under 26 for any of our drama shows through to March 2011.

“Our target is to give away about 750 tickets over two years. We want to use the publicity associated with A Night Less Ordinary to encourage young people across our region to think of theatre in a local village hall or venue as an opportunity for them.”

The Highlights programme for the spring includes several productions that will qualify for the free tickets.

A brochure is available from libraries and tourist information centres, or visit anightlessordinary.org.uk