The region's rich multi-racial background is being celebrated with a series of events during National Black History month.

For the first time ever the region is joining the rest of the UK by paying tribute to its black history throughout October.

Schools and community venues will be brought to life with the sights and sounds of African, Oriental and Asian music, dance and drama.

Through the arts, organisers hope that people will learn more about black history and the contribution all cultures have made to the area.

"The North East doesn't always spring to people's minds when thinking about black history but we've a diverse cultural background which should be remembered.

"Members of the black community themselves don't know enough about their history and local people should realise how long black people have been here.

"Hopefully this month of activity will not only teach people about black history but make people more open minded towards racial differences," said Tony Lindsay, acting director of Darlington and Durham Racial Equality Council.

Black History Month in Britain began a decade ago as a way of developing black and Asian teenagers' cultural identity so that their home country and land of origin both shaped their characters.

Originally established as Negro History Week in America, in 1926, the event evolved into a dedicated month of activities looking at past and present experiences and future aspirations.

In County Durham the festival is to include the Elements Touring Scheme, a partnership between Mac Productions and Durham City Arts which is supported by local councils.

Its play about 100 years of black women, Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home, will visit Belmont Comprehensive School, Deerness Valley School, Dipton Community Centre, Crook's Elite Hall, and Wheatley Hill Community Centre this week. Contact each venue for performance details.

Arts in education agency The Forge's Small World Big Dream, a multi-culural arts festival in its second year, is being extended across County Durham and Sunderland. Ten professional artists from around the world will hold 117 workshops in 63 schools involving students in everything from Congo music to Chinese dragon making.

Live in Libraries is a Durham County Council initiative which sees world-renowned Moroccan trio hold concerts in Murton, Newton Hall, Crook and Barnard Castle libraries next week. Tickets, priced £2 to £4, are available from the venues.