CHILDREN in Wear Valley are being treated to stories from distant lands told at libraries around the district over the next few weeks.

Some of Britain's leading storytellers are taking part in a Faraway Fables season in libraries in the Bishop Auckland and Crook areas.

Nearly 300 nursery and primary school pupils have booked places to hear tales from Japan, India, Iceland and Israel. These are being told on Mondays, February 2, February 8 and February 23.

On Monday, February 16, at the start of the half-term holidays, Soweto-born performer Raymond Otto will act out stories from his native South Africa for family fun sessions aimed at children aged six and over.

He appears at Woodhouse Close library, Bishop Auckland, at 10.15am and 11.15am, and at Crook at 1.15pm and 2.15pm.

For more details, contact Stephen Wiper, cultural services manager for Wear Valley District Council, on (01388) 765555.