A CREATIVE group that introduced hundreds of children to reading has suffered after council cutbacks.

For five years, children aged five and under have been inspired by the monthly Twiglets workshop, which is held in Bishop Auckland Town Hall, and led by storyteller Eileen Glenton and craft worker Sue Abel.

However, their contracts ended after Wednesday's session and librarians will now run the group.

The staff cuts are part of a Durham County Council effort to save £15m. Mrs Abel said: "It's a shame that this service is having to be cut."

Ms Glenton said: "We're told it's not economic to bring in two professional artists to run Twiglets, but it's never going to be when we charge 50p per session, and you can't ask people to pay more.

"Sometimes we've had up to 30 children, and they really enjoy it.

"It's sad because we've seen the children develop and grow up, and their younger brothers and sisters join and follow them."

Bishop Auckland author Wendy Robertson, who is a regular visitor to the town hall, said she was disappointed with the news.

"It's another example of a cut to the town hall and the community. It's another example of something which has been a great success being cut," she said.

In April, opening hours at the town hall's library were reduced. The library now closes at 5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Rosemary Laxton, head of libraries, learning and culture at Durham County Council, said: "Unfortunately, as part of a challenging budget-making process, we have had to withdraw the services of a professional storyteller and craft worker, though we will continue to employ them on special occasions.

"Twiglets sessions will be held as normal and will be delivered by our library staff, who will continue to provide a high standard of service."

Twiglets next meet between 10.30am and 1.30pm, on June 6, when the theme will be summer gardens. Each session costs 50p per child and children must be accompanied by an adult.