A NEW exhibition showcasing the magic of puppetry through the work of young people is up and running.

The display of pictures and puppets in the Theatre Gallery at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Front Street, Stanley, is the end result of a seven-month project by the Gobby Base Puppet Club.

Run by the County Durham community arts group Busy Ape Arts, the club involves 20 local children whose ages range from seven to 11 years.

Members meet every week in the Phoenix Arts Centre in Harelaw, near Annfield Plain, and were given the challenge of designing, making and using their own puppets.

The exhibition shows how they have developed their skills and the puppets they have made.

The project is supported by Derwentside District Council, Arts Council North East, the Local Network Fund and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The puppets created at Gobby Base can be seen in a performance at The Lamplight on July 25. For details call the centre on (01207) 218899.