A FAMILY event on a butterfly theme will be held next week.

The event at Tanfield Local Nature Reserve, near Stanley, will include a storyteller, magician, a walk and a display of rescued birds of prey.

The site is jointly owned and managed by Durham County Council and Derwentside District Council, which are organising the event to raise the profile of local nature reserves.

County council spokesman Jennie Garrod said: "If the weather is good, there are lots of butterflies, especially compared to most grassland.

"Families can catch the Tanfield Railway and walk the short distance to the site for a picnic, join in the activities, and then take the train back."

District council local nature reserve officer Karen Fisher said: "We are doing a study, helped by volunteers, to find out more about which butterflies are using the site."

The event runs between 11.30am and 2pm on Thursday next week. Parking is available at the reserve.