HUNDREDS of years after they were last fired, lime kilns in the North Pennine hills may be brought back into use to feed the demands of a new generation of builders and conservationists.

A group of enthusiasts are visiting Romanian families next week to learn the traditional skill of lime making lost in the UK for generations.

They will watch the building of a kiln, the burning process, the rock and wood fuel being collected and lime being used as a mortar, render and limewash.

The Romanians will complete the skills exchange later this year, coming to the North-East to build and fire a kiln at Frank Beddard's farm, near Cowshill, in Weardale, County Durham.

Decorating techniques such as limewashing and high- quality paints, popular with interior designers, have created a demand for expensive high-quality lime, which has not been made in Britain for 200 years.

Before then, home-produced lime mortar, strong enough to stand the test of time, was used for every stone building in the Pennines.

Architect Peter Kempsey, of Countryside Consultants, from Alston, said: "There is a great need for traditionally produced lime.

"This was the source of the mortars, plasters and paints that were used to construct, finish and decorate the buildings or our heritage.

"Modern cements are totally unsuitable for use with stone buildings. The new interest in using lime seems at present to be largely supported by imported products, which are expensive and by definition not 'home cooked'."

Peter Coverdale, master builder from Bowes, near Barnard Castle, is visiting Romania with his son Nic, who works with him.

He said: "I need to learn how this traditional lime is produced and we must train young people how to use it."

Mr Beddard has a kiln and old limestone quarry on his land at High Greenfield Farm.

He said: "I hope we can make eventually lime here.

"The tradition died out here but the Romanians kept it going and export it to us, which is very expensive.

"Architects and restorers are wanting us to go back to the old techniques producing hydraulic lime, which is burnt, giving a product that is very caustic and strong."

Martin Gampus, of Grampus Heritage and Training, from Threapland, in Cumbria, is managing the project with support from North Pennines Leader Plus.

Grampus backed a visit to the Romanian village of Meziad in 2003 by Morpeth development consultant and photographer Bridget Gubbins.

She said: "The families in Meziad are surprised that we are so interested in their normal everyday lime production, but they are pleased that we are coming to learn from them."