FAR-OFF tales inspired primary school pupils to create a Christmas story with an African theme.

Children at Peases West school, near Crook, adapted a traditional Zulu story for their end of term play.

Writer-in-residence Carina Rodney has been holding workshops in the school since April and she helped with the script of Where Stories Come From.

Laura Lindow and Jenny Stevenson directed the play and stage designer Andy Stephenson created props and costumes.

Carina said: "The children did most of the writing themselves. Their imagination has been sparked by Africa and they have really got a feel for the story.

"They have got a lot of fun out of it. It is certainly a change from the traditional Christmas story."