SETTLE Stories is to stage its first ever summer school for budding creative stars of the future.

The charity's summer school is aimed at children of at least eight years old who love creating and who want to develop new skills, make new friends, and have fun.

It will run over a week from the last day of July, with people able to sign up for just one day, or the whole week.

Each day will be different, with about ten artists - all leading experts from their own creative industries - delivering days unique to them.

Days will include, storytelling, play in a day, a poetry slam, a chance to write a film, book making, and photography.

There will also be den building, tapestry making, creating a huge art instillation and creative writing.

It will take place in the centre of Settle, at the Joinery - Settle Stories' new venue, just off the Market Place.

Each day will take place from 9am to 5pm, to fit in with working parents.

The summer school is a new venture for Settle Stories, which is the largest storytelling organisation in the North of England and organiser of a bi-annual story telling festival.

The summer school is part of the charity's extension into working with young people and to address a need for youth provision in the summer holidays.

Sita Brand, charity director, said: "We’ve done fantastic work with families locally and wanted to build on this. I’m particularly keen to make sure that great art is available to all. We’re proud to be offering free places to young people in collaboration with North Yorkshire County Council's Children and Families service so that we can achieve this. The lineup of artists coming to Settle for the Summer School is incredible."

The summer school will take place from July 31 to August 5. Cost for the whole week is £75, or £22 for a day, and £17 for a sibling. More information on the website:

settlestories.org.uk or by telephone on 05603 845693