A SERIES of discussions aimed at understanding the different faith communities living in County Durham gets under way next month.

The first talk, entitled What it means to be an Orthodox Jew living in Newcastle in the 21st Century, takes place in Durham's County Hall, at 3pm, on Thursday, June 8.

Rabbi Dovid Lewis and Deanna Van der Velde, from Gosforth Orthodox Synagogue, will be the guest speakers.

They will offer their views on what they would like to see taught about Judaism in schools and answer questions from the audience.

Durham Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education is organising the event, which is open to the public.

Anyone wanting to attend is asked to contact Ros Layfield on 0191 383 4204.