SILK scarves and stained glass, wooden toys and wooden bowls, plant pots, leather goods and scented soaps - just some of the locally made crafts for sale in the Durham Dales Crafts shop.

The shop - just next to the car park at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope - is a showcase for 19 different craftsmen and women from the region. Originally based in the Tourist Information Centre, they had to leave there four years ago and set up shop just up the steps.

"It's been an excellent move for us," says Val Grimshaw, former teacher, maker of decoupage pictures and cross stitch cards, and retiring chairman of the association. "When we took the shop on, there were only 11 of us and it was a big decision. But it's worked well - it makes it very easy for visitors to find us."

Members of the association, most of whom are full time craftsmen and women, include Allan Ellwood of Crawleyside, who makes wrought iron furniture; Jean Dobson, who makes stained glassware; and wood turners Matt and Pat Roffe, whose English walnut barometer costs £32, fruit bowl, £35, and oak salt and pepper pots, £12.50. They each take a turn in the shop, which is also a good opportunity for instant market research.

"Many do craft fairs or sell at other outlets as well. We're not a cooperative but an association, and it all works very well," says Val.

Heather Winters makes glazed earthenware, including plant pots and oil burners - and house number plaques at £15. John Gray makes a range of plain and perfumed handmade soaps - lavender, English rose or cinnamon and honey - for £2.75. Or there are shampoo bars - so much less messy than bottles - for £3.20.

Prices are generally modest - Sheila Ross's hand painted silk and dyed scarves are under £8. Richard Yeates's jolly man in the moon mobile is only £5.20. Joan Gray, who has been making jewellery for 15 years or so, sells earrings for as little as £2.99. Bracelets from Connemara marble are around £10.

Brian Pringle's coasters featuring local beauty spots - moors, dales, bridges, St James' Park and the Stadium of Light - are £2.

In the summer, many of their customers are tourists, delighted to find something made in the area. "But we also have a lot of local customers," says Val. "They like the opportunity to buy things that are different. Everything here is individual, handmade. Before Christmas we get very busy as people in the Dales buy a lot of presents here."

Other crafts include hand knitted clothes for children, decorated bone china, quilted cushions, silk and dried flowers, decorated glass, and decorated wood and leather. And lots of handmade cards.

All different, all made locally and individually. And the bonus is that when you go into the shop, you will meet one of the makers.

* Durham Dales Crafts, Durham Dales Centre, Stanhope. Tel: (01388) 526666. Summer opening 10am-4.30pm, seven days a week.

BUYLINES

SUMMER travel essentials from Aldi include:

Three-in-one travel adaptor for Europe, America and Australia at £1.99; AA pocket phrase books, £1.49; First Aid kits, £2.49; flight socks, £3.99, and two-in-one novels by such authors as Dick Francis, Jackie Collins, Wilbur Smith and Lynda La Plate for £1.99 - just the thing for the deckchair at home too. Or those rainy afternoons.

AT last - a clingfilm dispenser that actually works and doesn't just wrap yards of clingfilm round your wrists. The Benedetti Dispenser was originally designed for the catering industry but will soon be available in supermarkets. We've tested the clingfilm and the foil versions and once we worked out how to use them, found they worked brilliantly. What's more, we haven't wasted a single bit of clingfilm. Is this a record?

GOOD news for calorie counters. Shape's new yogurts have the lowest ever calories and only 0.1 per cent fat. They have only about 45 calories per 100g and no added sugar, artificial colourings or preservatives. Available in single pots and multi packs.

long famous as one of the most generous on the High Street, Marks & Spencer have changed their refund policy, No longer will you be able to wait a year or so before deciding you don't like that woolly jumper you got for Christmas. From now on, you will have just 90 days to get your money back.

No receipt? Then you can have an exchange or credit vouchers. They will also provide a gift receipt, which means that refunds will be paid in credit vouchers - but as that will also tell the recipient exactly how much you paid, you might as well just give them an ordinary receipt and let them pocket the dosh.

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