THE tale of a Viking hero's life mapped out by three blood-curdling encounters is being told in a Cotswold village.

Beowulf, the oldest story in the English language, is being told on Saturday, April 26 in Westcote Village Hall, near Bourton.

Master-storyteller Hugh Lupton joins forces with one of Britain's leading percussionists Rick Wilson for the performance at 7.30pm.

In his youth, Beowulf defeats the monster Grendel and his even more terrifying Mother, then as an old man, he tries his strength against a gold-guarding Fire Drake, a dragon.

Tickets are £10 and are available from Christine Walford on 01993 831196.