THERE will be fun in the forest at Chopwell Forest Festival; at the weekend.

To mark the tenth anniversary of the Friends of Chopwell Wood, near Rowlands Gill, woodturners will compete to become North's quickest bodger.

Among the competitors will be Chris Helliwell, 40, who spent 18 months as a vicar before he quit eight years ago to take up the new profession.

Chris, who runs his own business from his home in Forcett, between Darlington and Barnard Castle, will use a hand-made pole lathe to demonstrate wood turning, or bodging, as well as testing his speed against other bodgers at turning a log into a table leg.

More than 5,000 people are expected to visit the venue to celebrate a revival in forest arts and skills and enjoy woodland-themed fun aimed at the whole family.

County Durham environmental charity the Acorn Trust has announced its own programme of events.

Visitors to the Acorn Trust marquee will have the chance to build and keep your own bird box, join in a beetle drive and have a go at the animal quiz.

Project manager at the trust Kath Ivens said the aim was to show the public what they can do to help their environment.

She said: "Once more we are delighted to attend this festival and show what can be done in people's own area."

The Acorn Trust can be contacted on (01207) 582600.