DARLINGTON Civic Theatre has organised performances, workshops, talks, a book club, storytelling and an exhibition linked to Charles Dickens.

Dickens in Darlington heralds the community production of A Tale of Two Cities in the Dolphin Centre in November.

An exhibition in the arts gallery at the Crown Street library from October 1 to November 3 will feature items from the Charles Dickens Museum in London.

On Saturday, October 8, actor and storyteller Chris Connaughton will read The Signal-Man, Dicken's tale of a railway worker haunted by a ghostly figure, and The Trial for Murder, a ghost story with a chilling twist. Readings take place at 2pm and 7pm in Crown Street. Tickets are £5, discounts £2.50. The recommended age is 8+.

On Monday, October 17, at 1.30pm, Margaret Watson tells how she made the scale model of Dicken's London home. The dolls’ house will be on show throughout the exhibition.

There are two book group sessions on Tuesday, October 25, at 1.30pm and 7pm to discuss A Tale of Two Cities. This is open to people who have bought a ticket for the production in November. Free copies of the book can be provided.

On Monday, October 3, at 8pm, The Forum, in Borough Road, will screen Great Expectations, the 1946 film directed by David Lean and starring John Mills, Valerie Hobson and Jean Simmons. Tickets are £3, available by emailing darlingtonfilmclub@gmail.com.