A virtual reality experience is hitting libraries across Cumbria this month.

Venues in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington will host the events as part of a national tour.

Using headsets, participants can have the immersive experience of watching Congo VR, a three-part news documentary series about the Democratic Republic of Congo, 1943 Berlin Blitz, a film following the RAF on a bombing raid during the Berlin Blitz, and Dr Who, the Runaway, an animated story about Britain's favourite time traveller.

The tour has been devised in partnership with the BBC, Libraries Connected and the Scottish Library and Information Council.

Zillah Watson, head of the BBC’s Virtual Reality Hub, said: “Virtual reality is an extraordinary way to experience a story, by immersing yourself in it completely you get a huge connection into it.

"The trouble is that headsets are expensive, and only a very small number of people have them at home. That’s why we wanted to bring some of our favourite experiences out on the road, and by putting them into local libraries across the UK we’re hoping to give everyone the chance to try out virtual reality.”

Councillor Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for local communities, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to come along and try a virtual reality experience – our libraries are community hubs that offer access to all sorts of opportunities and experiences, and I am delighted that libraries across Cumbria are involved in this partnership. I am looking forward to trying it out myself at my local library.”

Mark Freeman, president of Libraries Connected, said: “We're excited to partner with the BBC to bring VR experiences to libraries across the country as part of our Culture Offer. We want to help more people to access quality and diverse cultural events through libraries, especially those less likely to access arts and culture.”

A virtual reality headset will be available now until Friday at Penrith Library and Whitehaven Library.

One is available from now until Friday, July 26 at Barrow Library and another at Carlisle Library.

And one set will be available between Monday, July 22 and Monday, July 26 in Kendal Library with another at Workington Library.

Customers will be encouraged to give the virtual reality experience a try and to feedback their experience via an online survey or by chatting to library staff.

For more details, contact your local venue.