AN outdoor jamboree featuring an aerial dance troop will be staged at a North-East beauty spot at the weekend.

People will also be able to try Indian head massage at Chopwell Forest Festival, near High Spen, Gateshead.

Now in its 12th year, the outdoor jamboree is the north's biggest celebration of forest skills and eco-themed fun and takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

Top attractions will include gravity-defying aerial dance troop, Hang, and the daring 7-Stanes Extreme Mountain Bike Display Team.

Chief recreation ranger Richard Gilchrist said: "Old favourites will be back including coracle making, yurt building and wood-turning, with plenty of hands-on activities so kids can prove they are chips off the old block."

Elsewhere in the wood there'll be oak bark peeling, hurdle making, tree top "zip" rides, forest theatre, eco-artists, horse-logging, charcoal burning, birds of prey, blacksmithing, archery and music.

Visitors can also view the timber-bound books of Steve Iredale from Staithes, near Whitby.

Gates open from noon to 5pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Entry is adults £4 and concessions £2. A family ticket (admits four) is available for £10. Car parking is free.

Further information from is available from Mr Gilchrist on (01207) 542231 or from the festival website at www.friendsofchopwell wood.tk