A NORTH-East farmer welcomed schoolchildren into his farm as part of a campaign to entice visitors back into the countryside.

Martin Lowcock and his wife, Beverley, of Maltby Grange Farm, Maltby, near Middlesbrough, gave the children, from St Therese of Liseieux School, Ingleby Barwick, farm-produced bacon to taste.

The campaign, Your Countryside, You're Welcome, highlights a range of events and activities around the UK, all designed to encourage people to visit the countryside again after the ravages of foot-and-mouth disease.

It will also provide suggestions for things to do over the Easter period and beyond - from local foods to forest walks, wildlife safaris, and visiting castles, monuments and museums.

Phil Hughes, One NorthEast board member, said: "There is a great wealth of things to see and do in the North-East countryside. We hope people will put last year behind them and rediscover the many attractions our region has to offer."

Mr Lowcock gave the pupils farm-produced bacon. He has recently introduced meat produced on the farm to the stock on sale at his farm shop.

The farm, which covers about 350 acres, has been in the family for three generations and the shop is just one of the ways in which the Lowcocks have diversified to supplement their income.

Chris Little, Countryside Agency senior countryside officer, said: "Our region provides a wonderful variety of foods and crafts and a trip to the countryside can be made extra special by visiting one of the growing number of farm shops.

"Buying from farmers like Martin and Beverley means customers know exactly where their meat is coming from. They can see how it is reared and cared for and they can be confident their produce has not been transported up and down the country before being sold.