A ROGUE cyclist helped launch an unusual children's theatre festival yesterday.

The Fantome Cycliste - a notorious thief who steals the famous yellow jersey from the Tour de France - was at Durham's Gala Theatre to launch the Take Off 2002 festival.

Played by actor Andrew Turnbull, he will appear in Le Tour de France, by Theatre Sans Frontieres in the annual event, taking place in Durham for the first time this year.

As England's only professional theatre festival for child-ren and young people, it brings together leading theatre companies which produce innovative work for youngsters.

It also attracts education and theatre professionals from all over the world, who watch productions and attend seminars and workshops.

Started by Darlington's CTC Theatre in 1993, the festival is organised at a different location every year in partnership with arts agencies or local authorities.

This year's event takes place from Saturday, November 2 to Wednesday, November 6, and is being run with the help of Durham City Arts.

Alison Lister, festivals co-ordinator with Durham City Arts, said it will be the biggest ever.

She said: "There are three community venues in Bearpark, Brandon and Bowburn, which we haven't had before. Quite a lot of what we are doing is very brave."

The festival comprises different shows and related events aimed at specific age groups, which cover a range of issues from friendship to teenage pregnancy.

Jan Doherty, director of Durham City Arts, said: "Having the festival in Durham is a great experience for the city, but the heart of it is the enjoyment it gives to young people and the opportunity for them to see a wide range of imaginative and thought-provoking work."

For information on events, taking place at the Gala Theatre, Bearpark, Brandon and Bowburn Community Centres, and local schools, call 0191-301 8245.