AN action-packed event to highlight the advantages of green and modern living will be held in the North-East this weekend.

The Riverside Cricket Ground, at Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is hosting the family event on Sunday, from 11am to 3pm.

Activities include story-telling, fashion shows, making music, woodworking, arts and crafts, guided walks of the nearby nature reserve and Space Hopper racing.

A "virtual village" with shops, homes and a school will be created with the help of companies such as B&Q, npower and Northumbrian Water, where interactive displays will demonstrate the latest technology.

There will be instruction in meditation, complementary therapy demonstrations including Indian head massage and advice about healthy lifestyles.

Activities will cover themes including travel, shopping, fashion, food and drink, leisure and the outdoors.

The event coincides with National Bike Week, and there will be a cycle ride from Hetton Lyons Park, Hetton-le-Hole, and one from Sunderland City Centre to arrive at the Riverside at lunchtime.

Anyone interested in the rides is asked to call Ben Dellow on 0191-383 3745.

It is hoped a bus will be available from Sedgefield. To book a place, call Karin Johnson on (01388) 816166.