DOZENS of events are planned in south Durham for next week's half-term holiday.

Durham Wildlife Trust has a Fungus Foray at Low Barns Nature Reserve on Tuesday, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and a bird-feeding event on Wednesday at the same time.

On Thursday, there are Halloween crafts and stories at Low Barns, from 6pm for under-eights and 8pm for older children.

Events cost £2 and booking is essential.Telephone the trust on 0191-584 3112.

Woodhouse Close estate, in Bishop Auckland, opens an arts festival week next Saturday at 11am when Horrible Histories author Terry Deary is at Woodhouse Close Library.

The Woodhouse Acting Silly Harrys are staging a one-act piece about life on the estate from the 1950s to the present day in Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday at 7pm.

Next Saturday, from 11am to 3pm, people of all ages are creating a massive mural, celebrating creativity in Bishop Auckland for a Big Draw event in the former Bo Peep shop in the Newgate Centre.

Bishop Auckland Town Hall celebrates the stories of Hans Christian Anderson all week with theatre and arts workshops with Eileen Glenton and Sue Abel. Telephone (01388) 602610.

Wolsingham Community Pool has inflatable sessions, canoeing and lessons. Telephone (01388) 528198.

Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Bishop Auckland, has a Halloween disco on Wednesday, from 5pm to 7pm, with fancy dress and party games. Leisure centres in Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe and Shildon are hosting a wide range of events all week. Details available at www.sedgefield.gov.uk