DOZENS of wood carvers from around the country have visited Darlington for a national wood-carving jamboree.

High Coniscliffe School hosted the national annual meeting of the British Woodcarving Association.

It was followed by the jamboree, where a variety of workshops and classes were held, including demonstrations in tool sharpening, how to carve facial features and also how to produce a small model.

There was also a display of unfinished objects, so visitors could see how pieces of work develop.

About 63 people attended the event and each was asked to take a carved novelty fridge-magnet or light-pull.

David Shires, from the Durham and North Yorkshire branch of the British Woodcarving Association, said: "It was a very wonderful mixture of both professionals and hobbyists.

"Unfortunately, it's more the older end of the spectrum and not so many young people are taking it up.

"Hopefully, events like this can help encourage more younger people to take part as it's a very rewarding hobby."

Mr Shires is a member of the Coniscliffe Carvers, which meets every Tuesday at the school at 7pm. New members are welcome, from beginners to experts.

Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact Mr Shires on (01325) 374686 for details.