YOUNG actors were masking everything but their emotions as they took part in a three-day drama course this week.

Participants donned masks as they learnt about masked-theatre techniques, at the free course, at Bishop Auckland College.

The half-term course was part of an initiative to encourage young people in Wear Valley to access and enjoy performing arts activity.

It was supported by the Wear Valley Local Strategic Partnership Lifelong Learning Group, and co-ordinated by Wear Valley Arts.

Those who attended the course were taught techniques and devised their own short performance with the help of the Trestle Theatre Company.

Masked theatre requires the actor to convey character and emotion through their body language and helps to encourage expressive movement.

Hannah Murray-Leslie, Wear Valley District Council's arts development officer, said: "It's been a great opportunity to give our young people the chance to work with this nationally recognised theatre company.

"Projects such as this help to develop broad skills bases that we hope will help our young people to turn their aspirations of a career in the performing arts into reality."