A NATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED festival has announced a link-up with a North-East university.

The free Festival of Thrift, which takes place at Lingfield Point, in Darlington, on September 27 and 28, has announced a partnership with Teesside University.

Festival director Stella Hall, said: “A big part of this festival is education.

"One of the main aims is to educate people on how to live better, live more sustainably, not just for their own benefit but to help our planet also.

“Teesside University became the obvious partner for us in this area. The university has excellent educational credentials and we are delighted to have them on board."

Laura Woods, the university's director of academic enterprise, said: "The Festival of Thrift is a brilliantly innovative way of creating fun for all while delivering a serious message about sustainability, and showcasing some seriously good examples of how to make the most of the resources we’ve got.

“Teesside University is sponsoring this year’s festival to help underline the importance of this message, particularly to businesses.

"Resource efficiency – using the earth’s resources in a responsible, sustainable way – is not only good for the planet; it’s good for business too.

“Companies of all sizes, including start-ups and new entrepreneurs, can cut costs and increase efficiency by reducing, reusing and recycling, and turning waste into positive, value-creating resources.

“We’ll be involving our students, graduates and staff in the festival, to demonstrate how design, technology, creativity and entrepreneurship can all support sustainable living and sustainable business."

For more information about the festival, visit festivalofthrift.co.uk