SCHOOLCHILDREN in Teesdale have been listening to fascinating tales from a professional storyteller from the gipsy community.
Pupils at Montalbo Primary School, in Barnard Castle, spent the day with Richard O'Neill, who now lives in Manchester, but was born in Peterlee.
Mr O'Neill, who is part of the LolloBal group, told gipsy stories about everything from horses to clothes pegs, before helping the children with their art.
He will also be visiting St Mary's RC School, in Barnard Castle, and Bowes School, at the same time as hundreds of travellers pass through the area on their way to Appleby Fair.
"Sometimes you do get a bit of a sharp intake of breath from kids when you say you are a gipsy traveller, but they are really interested and get a lot out of the stories," said Mr O'Neill.
Headteacher Gillian Bainbridge said: "Some children may have heard about the travelling community, but they are so receptive towards new people and ideas."
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