A SERIES of talks about birds have been planned for libraries across the borough of Stockton this summer.

Stockton Borough Council's children and youth services have arranged the one-hour talks by Bob Brown, of the parks and countryside service. They will include a live bird of prey.

Sue Anderson, the council's libraries and information services manager, said: "These talks are ideal for parents and children to experience and learn something new about the natural world."

The talks are free but places are limited. Parents are asked to see a member of library staff to book a place.

Under-fives must be accompanied by an adult throughout the talk. Under-eights must be accompanied to and from the talk.

The talks will be held at Eaglescliffe Library on Tuesday, from 11am to noon; Yarm Library on Wednesday, July 30, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm; Stockton Central Library on Wednesday, August 6, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm; Thornaby Central Library on Tuesday, August 12, from 11am to noon.

They will also take place at Norton Library on Wednesday, August 13, from 10.30am to 11.30am; Roseworth Library on Tuesday, August 19, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm; Fairfield Library on Wednesday, August 20, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm; and Ragworth Library on Wednesday, August 27, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.