HUNDREDS of County Durham residents joined others across the region this weekend to take part in the UK's biggest annual art event.

The Big Draw, a national drive to get more people interested in art, was launched on Saturday.

Among the venues taking part were the library and Asda store in Peterlee, along with East Durham and Houghall Community College.

The theme for the events in east Durham was Sea Change.

Families tried out various art forms, from painting to sculpture, and there was also story-telling.

The two-week initiative, which is now in its fourth year, will feature free events at museums and art galleries across the region.

It aims to encourage visitors to try all forms of artwork, from pens and pencils to charcoal, ink and sand.