CONSERVATION volunteers treated families to a weekend of woodland adventure to help a campaign for an eco-centre.

The three-day Woodland Festival, in Deepdale Woods, near Barnard Castle, featured displays and workshops.

It was organised by Teesdale Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to promote the area and to raise money for a visitors' centre.

Yesterday, families enjoyed a fairytale theme with craft workshops, including face painting.

Other attractions during the weekend included a bush tucker survival area, and a circus skills and rhythm marquee.

Visitors had a chance to play quoits and test their balance by stilt walking, unicycling, juggling or plate spinning.

There were traditional craft demonstrations by chainsaw sculptor Steve Iredale, artistic blacksmith Brian Russell and artist John Degnan.

On Sunday night, a concert featured local performers.

TCV hopes to build a £300,000 base for members near its existing headquarters.

The "carbon-neutral centre" would be built to demonstrate sustainable living and provide examples of green energy sources that could contribute to the national grid.

Members of Teesdale District Council will discuss the planning application this week. Planning officers have recommended the plans for approval.

If given the go-ahead, the centre will include offices and teaching and exhibition areas to cater for the public and organised group visits.

Martin Bacon, manager of TCV, said: "The event was a real success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the activities and relaxing in the wood.

"I wanted to bring people into the woodland, to see traditional artists and working people and to learn to appreciate the natural environment.

"It also helped raise money we need to bridge the gap between planning the centre and hopefully building it, by covering the cost of building regulations.

"It is an important stage for the group."