YOUNG film-makers from the region will make their television debut reaching thousands of their peers in Siberia.

Three groups of children have written and developed a series of modern animated films based on Siberian folk stories.

The Siberian authorities have been so impressed with their efforts they will now be shown on television in the run-up to Christmas.

The films were created through a project called Reading Across The Lines, which was initiated by Creative Partnerships Durham Sunderland to develop links with Russia.

It included work by youngsters from Peases West Primary School, in Crook, County Durham, Broadway Junior School, Sunderland, and a group based in Durham Clayport library.

The children were helped by writers, teachers and librarians who visited Siberia to swap skills with Russians.

Writers Carina Rodney, Andy Croft and Paul Summers then worked with the children, teaching them Russian folklore and adapting it for their project.

Anna Summerford, from New Writing North, which worked on the project, said: "Linking with Siberia helped to bring the writing alive in a fun, exciting and creative way and also introduce those involved to a new culture."

The children, parents and friends were able to get a preview of the finished product at a screening at the Gala Cinema, in Durham.

Writer Andy Croft said: "We hope to develop the project further with Russian young people using North-East folk tales such as the Lambton Worm to develop their own version of a modern story."