A MUSIC organisation in Darlington has branched out from its normal activities to produce films with a teaching element.

The new venture for Circulation Recordings and its educational CircLearning initiative has attracted interest and a commission from the Racial Equality Council.

Circulation's regular activities include recording and workshop events.

Managing director Graeme Robinson said: "This is a really new and exciting area for us. We now have a film production unit, CircLearning Media, and the Racial Equality Council have commissioned a film to highlight the diversity of cultures in and around County Durham and Darlington."

The unit attended a cultural diversity day at the Gala Theatre in Durham to film footage, which provided a wealth of material, including traditional Indian and Gipsy Flamenco and Egyptian dancing.

Footage also included a Chinese lion dance performed by the Choi Lee Fut Kung Fu Club, and African Marimba music.

CircLearning Media also filmed during the Feast For All Senses day at Darlington Civic Theatre, on May 11.

Tony Lindsay, Darlington and Durham vice-chairman of the Racial Equality Council, welcomed the new initiative, saying: "In many ways, this new work with CircLearning Media really compliments our own initiative. The partnership between all parties and Darlington Borough Council life-long learning team has opened up a wealth of opportunities to bring out and promote local musical talent, as well as improve understanding and promote harmony between the many different groups, which make up our multicultural society.