PEOPLE on Teesside are being given the chance to see one of the country's most historic texts.

A facsimile of the famous Lindisfarne Gospels went on display at libraries in the Stockton area from Tuesday.

There will be handling sessions to allow people to get a closer look and find out more about its history.

The book is believed to have been created in the early eighth century, on the North-East island of Lindisfarne. The original is in the British Library, although there is an ongoing campaign for them to be returned to the North-East.

Libraries hosting the copy, which will be in the area until October 22, will be Stockton Central, Norton, Thornaby Central and Roseberry Library, in Billingham.

Stockton library services' community engagement officer, Emma Shields, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see a true work of art that was created in the North-East all those years ago. And because it is a copy of the Lindisfarne Gospels, you can even turn the pages and get a really good look at the intricate details that make up this beautiful symbol of faith."

The display schedule for the gospels is:

* Stockton Central Library, on (01642) 526522, until Saturday, September 24, and Monday, October 17, until Saturday, October 22;

* Thornaby Central Library, on (01642) 528117), from Monday, September 26, until Saturday, October 1;

* Roseberry Library, on (01642) 528084, from Monday, October 3, until Saturday, October 8;

* Norton Library, on (01642) 528019, from Monday, October 10, until Saturday, October 15.