FORMER Dr Who Colin Baker will once again travel through time to showcase the North-East's rich legends next year.

The doctor's latest assistant, local musician George Hastings, will help him put on an ambitious musical show at one of the region's most legendary locations.

At Chester-le-Street's Lumley Castle, in County Durham, the pair will use the region's best tall tales - including the story of the Lambton Worm and the castle's famed ghost Lily of Lumley - as the basis for a musical extravaganza.

Celebrate!, a joint venture organised by the castle and Chester-le-Street District Council, has been written by both Colin and George.

Youngsters from the town's schools will take part in musical workshops which will include learning songs from the show and joining the production in the summer.

The pair also hope to rope in the region's singing celebrities, including Sting, Bryan Ferry and Dave Stewart, to narrate part of the story.

The former Time Lord said: "It's a very exciting project, and I'm just starting to work my way through a pile of local history books to get the feel of the history and legends of the area.

"I love having a project like this to get my teeth into. There are so many stories out there that it should be wonderful.

"I didn't know about Lumley Castle until I visited and it is an extraordinary place and should be an amazing backdrop for the event."

Plans are yet to be finalised but it is hoped to stage the Celebrate event on the castle's lawn, linking with celebrations in and around Chester-le-Street next July.