A SERIES of talks is to be given in a public hall to mark its 160th anniversary.

Scores of organisations have made use of the Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, since it was built in tribute to Harry Witham, of Lartington Hall.

Now Dr Pam Grunwell, its events organiser, has arranged the series of talks on behalf of the Witham Community Association, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Harry Witham, a famous geologist who inherited a fortune, founded the Mechanics Institute and Literary Society in the town, and supported a dispensary which gave medical treatment to poor families.

The first talk, on Sunday, March 5, at 7pm will be by Emma House, assistant keeper of fine art at the Bowes Museum. On April 2, Jenny Braddy will talk about Teesdale's history and landscape. Beverley Pilcher will speak about the Barnard Castle cholera epidemic of 1849, on May 7.

Other speakers will include Elizabeth Conran, former curator of the Bowes Museum; Niall Hammond, former county archaeologist; National Farmers' Union regional chairman Richard Betton; and reporter Jim McTaggart on lead mine history.

Tickets are on sale at the hall at £3 per talk for members and £3.50 for others.

A season ticket for all eight is £20 for members and £24 for others.