Fred Rudkin, who left GlaxoSmithKline in 2002 after 30 years' service, is now going back to the Barnard Castle factory twice a week to teach guitar playing to his former colleagues during their lunch breaks.

He is busier than ever since he took voluntary redundancy from his post of training co-ordinator and set up his own teaching business called Harmony Music.

Mr Rudkin, who has played trombone in Barnard Castle Band for a lot of years, was hurrying between musical appointments when I caught up with him this week.

Apart from the factory sessions, he goes twice a week to Ingleton School, once weekly to a social centre in Darlington and to the homes of more than 40 pupils scattered all over the dale and beyond.

He gives lessons on electric, acoustic and bass guitar, and has one client learning banjo.

It is an impressive success story that started when the pharmaceutical firm trimmed its workforce.

"I decided to accept a package and leave," said Mr Rudkin. "I got a lot of good advice from Teesdale Enterprise Agency to set up my business. I'm so busy now that I've a waiting list of people who want lessons."

What is it like going back to the factory? "It feels strange, but there are keen learners at each session, so my time there is enjoyable," he told me.

Anyone wishing to join the list can call him on (01833) 637203.

I'D heard of four hardy souls rambling in the nude across Teesdale fells before the one reported this week on Cotherstone moor.

All were middle-aged males, and all had pants ready to slip on when anyone came in sight.

They were mostly seen by one person at a time, instead of the amused group which came upon the latest chap who wanted an all-over tan.

But the prize for the bravest must go to the fellow to strolled along a snow-covered path with everything bare - even his feet.

Fran Arkley, a talented young artist, is helping to brighten up offices, public halls and children's bedrooms around Teesdale by painting colourful scenes on their walls.

She has been in demand since launching her business, Frantastic Murals, after graduating from Sunderland University with a BA degree in illustration and design.

From her mother's home in Lartington, she heads off to any corner of the dale with her box of acrylics to create rustic landscapes, abstract shapes or comical characters, depending on the type of wall and wishes of the client.

"The latest one I did in a bedroom had some lively dancing pirates, and the one before that was fairies," she told me.

"The most unusual so far has been 30 hands in all sorts of positions and sizes."

Murals are an ideal solution for anyone wishing a unique brand of interior decor.

"I have a lot of ideas, but I talk things over with each client, to come up with something to suit them," said Ms Arkley.

She likes to work with bold, bright colours. Anyone wishing to hear more about her ideas can call her on 07792 560888.

The lower Demesnes has made a speedy recovery following its invasion by travellers, and was in splendid trim this week as families sunbathed, enjoyed picnics, put their toddlers on to swings or cooled their feet in the River Tees.

This stretch of greenery is a splendid amenity for Barnard Castle, and it's little wonder the caravan folk move in around Appleby fair time.

But it gets cleared quickly, unlike the wide verges at Winston, which still had the appearance of a campsite for most of this week.