TOURING theatre companies will be taking to the road to bring new drama to County Durham communities.

Nine venues have been included in the Elements Touring Scheme, which includes new performances by Newcastle's Live Theatre, Tutti Frutti Theatre and Lempen Puppet Theatre.

Elements projects administrator Jessica Bell said: "This varied programme of drama events across the county ensures that communities can enjoy the experience of having great professional theatre on their doorsteps.

"The collaboration between Live Theatre and Elements on the Last Post, written by Julia Darling, is especially exciting as it has been rehearsed and produced in County Durham and involved a number of community groups."

Lempen Puppet Theatre will perform The Last of the Trolls at Ouston Community Centre at 11am today; the Elite Hall, in Crook at 7pm today and Dawdon Community Centre at 7pm on Saturday.

The Last Post will be at Roseberry Comprehensive, Pelton at 7.30pm on Monday, April 15; Wood View Community Centre, Langley Park at 7.30pm, Tuesday, April 23; Sunnydale School, Shildon at 7.30pm, Friday, April 26 and Ferryhill Working Men's Club at 7.30pm, Tuesday, April 30.

Elements is funded by Northern Arts, the National Lottery, Durham County Council, Durham City Arts and Chester-le-Street, Derwentside, Easington, Teesdale, Sedgefield and Wear Valley district councils.