Children can discover if they have what it takes to become the Lord of the Rings or take part in a series of spellbinding magic shows this week.

The events have been organised by Stockton Borough Council's children and youth services team and will take place at libraries in the borough.

Tomorrow, Stockton Central Library hosts a tabletop war gaming session, organised by the council team in association with Games Workshop Limited.

It will give youngsters the opportunity to test and develop their fantasy gaming and strategy skills during games based on the Lord of the Rings stories.

Participants will be able to try painting figures and to visit the Games Workshop website via computers in the library's Open Technology Centre.

The session is aimed at the over-12s and runs from 2pm to 4pm.

It is free and materials will be provided. However, the number of places is limited and anyone wanting to take part is asked to contact library staff.

Children can also take part in the Harry Potter Magic Show, with Martin the Magician.

Tomorrow, the show will be at Roseworth Library, Stockton, from 11am to 11.45am, and Thornaby Library, from 2pm to 2.45pm.

On Wednesday, it will visit Norton Library, from 10.30am to 11.15pm, and Roseberry Library, Billingham, from 2.30pm to 3.15pm.

The event is also free and places are limited, so anyone interested is asked to contact a member of library staff first.

Children under the age of five must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Children under eight should be accompanied to and from the event.