Teesside is to play host to a cultural event aimed at bringing together communities and businesses from a range of backgrounds.

Taste of Africa was such a success last year, at the International Centre, in Middlesbrough, it has had to be moved to accommodate more people.

Inspirational Arts, the company behind the not-for-profit event, has decided to make Taste of Africa an annual event, to encourage more people to take an interest in African culture and to improve cultural understanding across the Tees Valley area.

This time, people will be able to enjoy a host of events, including African cookery, traditional music, a fashion show, poetry and dance displays, at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Event organiser Sade Sangowawa said: "This is the only event of its kind on Teesside and is a chance for people to learn more about a different, extremely colourful culture.

"Because of how Africa is portrayed, people very often get the wrong impression about what the country and people are like. Our event proves that so many of the stereotypes are wrong."

Taste of Africa will take place on Friday, October 14, between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

Anyone interested in more information, or sponsorship opportunities, should contact Sade Sangowawa on 07748 644864.