AN attraction in Teesdale, promises to be buzzing with activity this month.

Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, has events lined up, many of them aimed at youngsters during the school holidays.

The hall's summer programme got off to an artistic start yesterday, with a salt dough modelling workshop, which attracted dozens of children and their parents from around Teesdale.

Today, the activities will continue with a shadow puppet workshop, which will give visitors the chance to create puppets and invent stories before putting on a performance at the end of the day. The event is from 10am to 4pm.

Other attractions include a visit by local artist Simon Pell, and a chance to take part in a performance of Gulliver's Travels, with the help of some of the region's most talented young performing arts students.

The play will give children the opportunity to act, sing and play music in the performance, and create their own costumes and scenery.

Chris Wright, administrator for Witham Hall, said the activities would be perfect for young visitors.

She said: "The events during the next three weeks will mean the Witham Hall will be buzzing with a programme of summer arts activities for the millennium.

"Most events are best suited for young people aged between eight and 12 years, but we would welcome anyone to attend and join in the fun."

For further details and to make a booking for any of the activities, contact Chris Smith, on (01833) 631107.