A SUCCESSFUL project to help armed forces families and those dealing with special needs is entering its seventh month.

The Clervaux Trust charity's Family Craft days allow parents and children to enjoy crafts such as pottery, felting and woodwork together.

The sessions take place at its eco-farm, at Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington, and families can also collect eggs from the chickens and feed the pigs and other animals.

The successful project, which is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, is held once a month for an initial 12 months, and December's event saw a special party held.

Co-ordinator Lone Helliwell said: " Families from army personnel and local civilian families came together to enjoy a festive Christmas party in December.

"We all braved the bitter cold to feed the animals.

"Once that was done back into the warm for some crafts, wooden Santas, pottery decorations and card making.

"This was followed by a feast of wonderful organic food."

She said this month's session, which is held today, will see visiting print makers coming in to work with the families to create a collage of prints for three new buildings currently under construction at the farm to allow the charity to expand its activities.

Ms Helliwell added: "The group of families that come each month will see a great difference in the new site with the wooden building due to arrive next week.

"It is very exciting and if all goes to plan and the weather is good to us these families may have their last session in the new building."

The £500,000 expansion will enable the charity to help more families.