KNIGHTS, fair maidens and heraldic beasts will provide half-term fun in Durham.

The city's Clayport Library is holding a brass-rubbing session at 2pm on Saturday.

Jo Jones, the curator of Durham Heritage Centre, in St Mary le Bow, North Bailey, will provide a selection of brasses, which will include historical and courtly characters.

Anita Thompson, of Clayport Library, said: "The taster session should help to brighten up the half-term holiday.

"Brass rubbing is a simple and rewarding way of capturing a small piece of history.

"Although brasses are commonly viewed as an English tradition, they actually originated in Germany in the 12th Century, but quickly spread across Europe to England.

"The oldest brass is in Verden, Germany, and dates from 1231.

"One of the more recent brasses was made to commemorate Lord Mountbatten, who was killed in 1979."

The heritage centre will be open at weekends and bank holidays in April for brass rubbing, for anyone unable to make Saturday's session.

Tickets are £1. Early booking, on 0191-386 4003, is recommended because places are limited.