WILLOW-weaving was top of the timetable for teachers from across North Yorkshire yesterday.

Around 20 primary school teachers were at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate where they were hard at work learning the traditional skill.

The free one-day course was organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society as part of its work to assist teachers to make greater use of the countryside as an outside classroom The idea is that the teachers can pass on their new-found knowledge to their pupils.

Weaving expert Angela Cole, from Westow, near York, said: "The aim is to provide a practical introduction to willow weaving. It’s a traditional skill which is certainly growing in popularity.

"Willow is easy to use, it’s not expensive as a raw material and it’s very versatile - you can make anything from fencing to decorative planters to traditional baskets."

The course is part of a series of events to highlight the important role of farmers in producing food and caring for the countryside.