ORIGAMI and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony brought a touch of the east to the region today.

Members of the public also tried their hand at Chinese and Arabic calligraphy during a series of events in Durham to mark European Day of Languages.

Visitors to the Town Hall and Market Place were also taught a few words in French, German, Spanish or Mandarin.

The taster sessions presented the opportunity for the public to learn a few words in a different language while there were also workshops in foreign literature and cinema.

Little ones were able to join in with a free storytelling session for toddlers at Clayport Library, with all the stories read in Spanish.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “The day aims to promote the learning of languages and coincided with themed activities taking place in schools across County Durham”.

This is the first time such an event has took place in Durham, which was organised by Europe Direct North East England, a European Commission-funded information centre.

The language sessions were led by Durham University, who will be running language courses for the community.