Once upon a time, audiences young and old in Harrow were whisked away into the world of storytelling at a series of events across the borough.

To celebrate National Storytelling Week 2016, which takes place all next week, local storytellers Pippa Reid, Claudia Mernick and Greg McCormick have put together a programme featuring family events as well as adults only.

The trio all share a passion for performing traditional stories, whether that be folk or fairy tales and are keen to promote the heritage of oral storytelling. Greg, who previously worked as a researcher and statistician says he recognised the power of storytelling in his professional work and now simply does it because he loves it.

Claudia, who was a former librarian says they tell tales in parks, libraries, open spaces, community centres - basically wherever they are asked to. "There is a special magic to hearing a traditional story being told to you, not read," she explains.

"A teller invests their own personality into the story and the adults enjoy the experience as much as the children. Storytelling appeals to all ages."

Claudia, who is also a tour guide for Grims Dyke Hotel, adds that she specialises in telling green tales and leads story-walks in Harrow woods.

Pippa and her husband Del are the founding members of the group and is currently the London representative for the Society of Storytelling. Described by Claudia as the ultimate storyteller - Pippa has a vast amount of experience in performing stories and songs to young children through her company The Music and Storytelling Experience.

The line up of events starts with a family storytelling morning at Pinner Library in Marsh Lane on Saturday, January 30, at 11am - and audiences will be encouraged to bring their own story to tell.

Next up will be Storytelling and Spoken Word for Grown Ups on Wednesday, February 3 at West House, Pinner Memorial Park from 7.30pm.

The last session, Winter Tales for Families will take place at The Stables, Eastcote House Gardens, Eastcote Village from 2pm on Saturday, February 6.

Details: sfs.org.uk