PETER Cockerill, well known actor with the Castle Players, was the first to occupy the newly-commission storytelling chair at Barnard Castle for the town's Summer of Stories event at the Witham arts centre.

At the official unveiling he interpreted Grandpa Joe from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in a celebration of Roald Dahl.

There were gypsy caravans, glass elevators, dressing up for children, artwork and an imaginative menu.

Sarah Gent, marketing manager, said: "There was a fantastic turnout and people were enchanted by the chair, with children exploring all its magical habitats and creatures."

For summer storytelling at the Witham visit the website or pick up a leaflet at local outlets. The box office is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm.

Storytelling is also offered at Bowless visitor centre near Middleton in Teesdale when former rock music critic Tom Cox makes his debut on August 22.

The Good, The Bad and The Furry – about his rescue cat, The Bear – was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller, and his account of a year as the world’s most inept golf professional, Bring Me the Head of Sergio Garcia, was longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award.

The Devon author has written eight books and entertains fans through a popular blog and on Twitter. He will tell the Bowless audience stories about badgers, Dartmoor, cats, beavers, otters and his eccentric and loud dad from his upcoming book 21st Century Yokel.

Poet and performer Ian McMillan joins award-winning cartoonist Tony Husband to perform their stage show, A Cartoon History of Here, with acoustic musician, Blanty, on September, 9.

Tickets for Tom Cox are £10 and these and tickets for other performances can be bought from the North Pennines AONB Partnership by calling 01388 528801 or 01833 622145 or visit www.northpennines.org.uk.