Cherwell District Council is helping village promoters provide live entertainment in rural areas.

A series of shows, part of the Arts in Rural Cherwell scheme, have filled village halls throughout north Oxfordshire for the last eight years.

They have included comedy, drama, jazz and classical music. The shows are part of a national network of touring theatre schemes that have gone from strength to strength in eight years.

The February and March programme has just been announced. It includes Arthur, the Legend and the Sword, Heart of England Jazz, A Komedy of Errors, John Mills, Sid Kipper, Instant Wit, and Sinbad.

Information about the programme is available from Michelle Hunter, the council's arts and promotions manager, on Banbury 221701.