PEOPLE in the Durham area have the chance to try out new activities and potential hobbies as part of the celebrations of Adult Learners Week.

Two free taster sessions are being held to stimulate interest in learning, at New Brancepeth Village Hall, today, and at Bowburn Community Centre, on Thursday. Both take place between 11am and 3pm and a free buffet will be provided at both venues.

Among the skills on show will be wood carving, mat making, complimentary therapies, including Indian head massage, digital photography and paper crafts.

The crafts will be demonstrated at the sessions and then people can have a go themselves.

The sessions have been organised by several organisations including Durham City Council and East Durham and Houghall Community College.

The council's cabinet member for community development, Angela Rae, said: "An event like this can provide a turning point in local people's lives and if we can inspire interest in education, then it's been a job well done.

"These types of taster sessions are perfect if you feel like trying something new, to add to your skills, or even just to come along and meet new people."

She added: "The days will give the people of the community an ideal opportunity to try new activities."

The sessions are open to people of all ages.

For more information, call the council's community services department on 0191-301 8757.