AN innovative new project will see artists commandeer mobile libraries across the Ribble Valley to bring their shows to rural neighbourhoods.

Spot On Lancashire has teamed up with the libraries in the borough to stage “bite-sized” arts shows from its autumn season of programmes.

Performance poet Dommy B will be popping up throughout the day on Friday in a mobile library outside schools in Chipping.

The following day will see Swedish folk singer and storyteller Rosa Rebecka travelling in another library ahead of her performance at Whalley Methodist Church on Saturday at 7.30pm.

Dommy B will also be performing his children’s theatre show When Trolls Try To Eat Your Goldfish at Calder Vale Village Hall on Saturday at 6pm.

The concept was thought up by Spot On Scheme manager Sue Robinson, who feels it was a natural collaboration.

She said: “Mobile libraries are about taking books to people who find it hard to access the building based services.

“Spot On is about touring theatre to people who struggle to reach urban venues. We do the same job. It seemed natural to team up and put artists on a library van. It works and we’ve had some wonderful moments.”

The project has already seen poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan travel to Gregson Lane with Ian Beesley ahead of their show Magic Lantern Tales back in September.

Then, in early October, New Zealander Ora Barlow, from folk trio Pacific Curls, took her ukulele on the road to Slaidburn before her band’s performances.

County Coun Ian Brown, who represents Clitheroe, said: “I think that it’s great that we can get this sort of thing out to rural areas.

“With austerity measures in place it’s pleasing that this project has started.”