TWO venues in County Durham are holding a new course on the rich history of the North-East.

Stanley's Return to Learn Centre and Hermitage School in Chester-le-Street are hosting the local history courses which start next week.

Covering topics ranging from the impact of the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings through to the Durham coalfield, the courses will cover oral history and tradition.

A spokesman for Durham County Council, which runs the 11 week course, said: "The course will be delivered in a pleasant, informal atmosphere and aims to develop personal research skills as well as exploring the key events of the last 2,000 years."

The Return to Learn Centre's course is on Thursdays from 10am to noon, starting on September 21, while Hermitage School's sessions are on Tuesdays between 6.30 and 8.30pm starting on September 19.

For details call (01207) 230521.