MORE than 100 professional and semi-professional hookers and prodders from around the world will descend upon Reeth next month.

The international group of rug makers are meeting for a four-day celebration of the ancient craft, as part of The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers’ (TIGHR) three-year conference.

Previously held in places as far afield as Vancouver Island and Australia, 2018 marks the UK’s turn to host the rug making elite.

Visitors from Japan and the USA are among the many who will travel across the globe attend the event.

During the festivities, guests will have the opportunity to learn new skills in a variety of pre-booked workshops, visit local places of interest, and exchange technical know-how.

Running alongside the ticket-only event will be a free public exhibition at St Andrew’s Church, Grinton.

TIGHR president, Heather Ritchie who lives in Reeth: “This event will showcase the best the rug-making world has to offer. Not only does it provide us with the rare opportunity to see how the craft translates across the globe, but it also inspires both the young and the young at heart to try their hand at the age-old craft. The exhibition is one not to be missed.”

The events run from Monday, October 8 until Thursday, October 11.