A FUN look at greener ways of living will be demonstrated this weekend.

A shanty town built by Durham University students and a virtual village displaying the latest green technology will be set up at the Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street on Sunday.

The Action Packed Futures event is from 11am until 3pm and will include a tent where there will be activities for children, instructions in meditation, complementary therapy demonstrations and the chance to try local food and drink made from organic and fairly traded produce.

Other entertainment includes an environmental magic show, steel band music, story telling and a performance of Noah's Ark by Jackass and Turrets youth theatre.

The world's largest dress will be on display. The dress has been made by student group Speak, to highlight the injustices in the way the third world is treated by the clothing industry. People can add their own patches to the dress and it will be sent to PM Tony Blair next year.

The event coincides with National Bike Week and there will be an organised cycle from Hetton Lyons Park in Hetton-le-Hole and Sunderland city centre, to arrive at the Riverside Stadium for lunch.

The event is to help people find out more about environmentally-friendly lifestyles and will also celebrate the launch of Local Action 21, a world-wide initiative to persuade people to do something for the global community.

Anyone interesting in joining the cycle can call Durham County Council on (0191) 383 3745.