A course on the making of storysacks starts this week at Clayport Library in Durham.

Storysacks help improve the reading ability of children by bringing to life picture book stories which can be shared by parents and children.

Their preparation involves a range of craft skills, including literacy assessment, knowledge of children's literature, soft-toy making and other handicraft skills.

It starts on Thursday from 1pm to 3pm. A history of art course began yesterday and runs for another nine weeks on Mondays.

The courses are in addition to regular classes held at the library, which range from computing to holiday languages.

Further details can be obtained by telephoning the library on 0191-386 4003