YOUNG readers had the chance to meet their favourite authors at a popular show farm.

Durham County Council held a children's book day at Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, to encourage reading and promote tourism, in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The day was part of the council's cultural services department summer reading game for children, Let us Enchant You.

The aim was to get children and their families out and about in County Durham as well as borrowing and enjoying books.

Jenny Oldfield, writer of many children's books, including the Home Farm Twins series, which was made into a successful TV series, was there to meet youngsters.

Liz Million, a local illustrator who has written and illustrated five picture books for young children, showed how she works.

Visitors could also chat to Kim Lewis, author and illustrator of many picture books for children, including The Last Train and Days on the Farm.

Books were on sale and the authors were signing copies.