ADULTS with learning difficulties and primary school youngsters followed in the footsteps of methodist John Wesley by celebrating harvest at the world's oldest chapel that is still in continuous use.

Children from a number of schools performed a harvest story.

They were joined by adults with learning difficulties from Craft Works, in Barnard Castle, and young people with special needs from Green Explorers Community Association. The setting was the Newbiggin-in-Teesdale Methodist Chapel, which was built in 1759 and has been used by the community ever since. The chapel originally cost £61.13s 5d to build.

Guest of honour at yesterday's service was David Bellamy, president of The Wildlife Trust.

One of the themes was How To Use Your Talent, and the botanist and TV presenter talked at length to the congregation about making the most of their abilities.

He said: "I was never a very good pupil and then one day I discovered my talent as a ballerina.

"I had aspirations to be a ballerina. I was good at it but I became too large.

"Then I discovered I had a talent for learning and remembering the Latin names of plants and I have travelled all over the world making a living from it since."

A spokesperson said: "As part of our ethos of helping others, we have adopted Newbiggin Chapel as our fundraising project for the year following a visit there with our president Mary Lowes.

"Everyone felt what a special place it is and since the autumn of last year, we have carried out many small fundraising activities towards the restoration works at the chapel.''