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

The Annapurna Indian Dance Company is on a four-day tour of small venues, 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 out Indian dance, at Greenfield School Community and Art College, Newton Aycliffe, today.

Tomorrow, there will be a performance at 7.30pm of Romance with the Gods, at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley.

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

Tickets are available from the venues.

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