A YORKSHIRE Dales village is set to host an international conference for handhooking rug makers in October.

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) conference, from October 8 to 11.

Previously held in locations including Vancouver Island and Australia, 2018 marks the UK’s turn to host the rug making elite.

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, from October 9 to 11 at 10am to 4pm.

Children from Reeth and Gunnerside Primary Schools and Arkengarthdale Church of England School enjoyed rug making lessons with local textile artist Kathryn Guy, who is also curating the exhibition. The children were taught the history of ‘hooky’ and ‘proddy’ in the dales and they all created their own pieces of artwork to hang in the exhibition. Following the exhibition they will be displayed in Reeth Museum from Friday, October 12 to Sunday, October 14.

TIGHR president Heather Ritchie said: “This event will showcase the best the rug-making world has to offer. It inspires young and young at heart to try their hand at the age-old craft."