AN isolated village has launched an innovative project aimed at helping people on low incomes.

Six volunteers will take to the roads in Weardale, County Durham, to cut down fallen timber that will be used as logs for solid fuel fires in the remote communities.

The scheme is part of the Saint Aidan's Trust, which was formed by villagers in Rookhope and local business people, to help the community develop more facilities.

The trust started out by buying the village pub, The Rookhope Inn, which has now become the heart of the community, running everything from rock concerts to adult learning classes and bed and breakfast accomodation.

Regulars Anthony Hogarth, Neil Browning, Peter Evea and Barry Bowman have each taken part in a chain saw training programme to tackle the latest community task.

With Cliff Britton, chairman of the scheme, and administrator Dale Anderson, they call themselves the Weardale Woodmen and have been helped with the initiative with a grant from Bradford-based UnLtd.

A spokesperson for Saint Aidan's Trust said: "Their main activity is to cut fallen timber into useable logs and distribute them to those who are retired or who are on low incomes.

"We are now appealing for fallen trees within a ten-mile radius of Rookhope, which will be cleared and put to good use. Once we are up and running, the Woodmen are hoping to develop their skills and transform timber into sculptures.''

Anyone who can help with the scheme is asked to contact The Rookhope Inn on (01388) 517215.