TRADITIONAL Indian dances and storytelling are being brought to towns and villages across County Durham from today.

The Annapurna Indian Dance Company begins a four-day tour of small venues today, using hypnotic drumming, intricate footwork and stunning costumes to transport audiences to the heart of India.

There will be two workshops for those who want to try Indian dance at Greenfield School Community and Art College, Newton Aycliffe today, and a performance at 7.30pm of Romance with the Gods, at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley tomorrow.

Romance with the Gods will also be staged at Neville Community Centre, Newton Aycliffe, at 2pm on Saturday, and Pelton Fell Village Hall at 6pm on Sunday.

Tickets and workshop information are available from the venues.

The events have been organised through Durham County Council's Elements Rural Touring Scheme.