A MONTH-LONG celebration of local history is being planned in County Durham.

Events ranging from a tour of a university college to locally-themed children's story times are being planned for May by Durham County Council's Clayport Library

The events are part of a national local history month organised by the Historical Association and local history groups throughout the country.

Starting off the programme of events is Keys to the Past, a project that unlocks the secrets of County Durham and Northumberland's past.

Project officer David Petts will be on hand on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2, to introduce the Heritage Lottery funded joint venture between Durham and Northumberland county councils.

It will be followed on May 3 by an illustrated talk on the stained glass of Durham Cathedral by Roger Norris, a former Dean and Chapter librarian.

Tickets for his talk, which starts at 10am, are £2. They should be reserved as soon as possible because seats are limited.

On May 10 and 17, there will be talks on the history of Hatfield College, Durham City, with a guided tour of the college on May 17.

Durham County Council archaeologists will hold an Inspector Norse investigates session on Wednesday, May 28 for children over five.

There will also be an opportunity for over-fives to make up a family tree using family photographs on Saturday, May 31.

Further information about the events is available from Clayport Library on 0191-386 4003.