A TOURING exhibition, Out of the Wood, sets off in Teesdale next weekend.

It has been organised by Highlights Productions, the rural touring scheme for the north Pennines, and visits Newbiggin in Teesdale Village Hall next Friday and on Saturday, May 8, and Frosterley Village Hall on Friday and Saturday, May 28 and 29. Opening times are 11am-5pm.

On show will be work by two skilled makers who specialise in turned and carved wood using contrasting styles.

Each venue will be transformed into a gallery for the best display of these contemporary works which will be available to buy.

Both makers will attend and answer questions.

Mike Scott, regarded as one of the pioneers of free-style turning, has exhibited in many contemporary craft galleries around the world. He responds to the individual characteristics of each piece of timber and strives for integrity and spontaneity.

John Baldwin's approach is very different, often comprising hand-carved figurative motifs based on characters drawn from mythology and the imagination. Often playful in tone, this work combines the ancient tradition of wood-carving with quirky contemporary formats. Both craftsmen are included in the Crafts Council selected makers list.

The project will lead to two major commissions which will be sited in Barnard Castle and Haltwhistle.

Admission is free, and free parking is available. Refreshments will be provided at the village halls.

* Also under the Highlights umbrella, Lempen Puppets visits Frosterley Village Hall tonight at 6pm with a new adventure story about a playful boy called Smudge who can change his shape into all sorts of creatures. The story is told using table top and shadow puppets, and is suitable for the over-fives. Tickets are available on 01388 527310