FREE taster classes are on offer to people keen to learn a little of the language and culture of their Mediterranean holiday destination.

Lessons in Greek, Spanish and Italian, designed to give tourists sufficient language skills to get by, are being staged at Chester-le-Street's Park View Community Association.

Each class will include tasting traditional local foods, with a little added history and cultural information thrown in.

The association is inviting anyone along to its three-week taster classes at its Church Chare site, starting on Monday from 7-8.30pm.

There is no need to book and the classes suit the whole family. For details call (0191) 388 2248.