THE first ever countryside festival in Hartlepool was held yesterday.

The event, a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and the Tees Forest, took place at the Summerhill countryside park.

Visitors were given the chance to make bird boxes and to take part in craft sessions, which included pottery, painting and badge making.

There were also demonstrations of willow weaving, boulder climbing and cycling on the BMX course.

Among other attractions was Bill Heslop and the Rossendale Sheep Dogs, from Lancashire. They held demonstrations of sheep dog skills and there was also the chance to get closer to the dogs when they were not working.