MORE than a hundred children took part in a wildlife-themed reading event.

The Prince Bishops shopping centre, in Durham City, hosted a day of free storytelling and crafts celebrating The Wind in the Willows as part of the Durham Book Festival.

Hundreds of copies of the children’s classic were given away free of charge.

Laura Cowap, a mother from Chester-le-Street, took her two daughters to the event.

She said: “We’ve had a fantastic time this morning.

“Both my girls enjoyed listening to Stella the Storyteller and joining in the songs and games.

“The wildlife crafts were also great fun and I’m looking forward to reading our free copy of the book to my daughters at bedtime.”

Richard Toynbee, the centre manager at the Prince Bishops shopping centre, said: “We were thrilled by how many families came to our event and the positive comments we received throughout the day.

“The Durham Book Festival continues to improve year on year and it’s been great to be involved in it through hosting a Durham Big Read event.”

The Durham Book Festival featured events with Dennis Skinner, Sheila Hancock, Kate Tempest, Stuart Maconie and more and ran until Monday, October 20.