ACTORS touring the region in a play based on a classic novel held a workshop at a County Durham school.

Of Mice and Men, based on the John Steinbeck book, is currently being staged at Darlington Civic Theatre, with Matthew Kelly in one of the lead roles.

Andrew Earl and Andy Chaplin, understudies in the production, are undertaking an educational project associated with the play.

Yesterday, they visited Ferryhill Comprehensive School, where GCSE students are studying the novel as part of their English literature course.

The drama workshop was based on the play and included short extracts from it for the students to rehearse and perform.

Ferryhill teacher Alan Pinkney said: "The students thoroughly enjoyed it.

"It was very useful, both in terms of looking at the text and the experience of professional actors and adults other than teachers dealing with them."