Martin Bell is spreading the flavour of Teesdale far and wide, thanks to the succulent beef and lamb he produces at Westholme Farm, Marwood.

His regular customers queue at farmers' markets across the North-East, including Darlington, where last Friday they could be seen just about licking their lips as they studied his latest array of steaks, roasts, chops, burgers and sausages.

Martin, who runs the farm with wife Lesley, tells everyone that this range stems from his own animals, and all the preparation is done on the spot.

The couple have also built up a thriving home delivery service in the dale.

"This side of the business has been an enormous help to the farm," he said between handing over bulging packages. "Without it we might not have survived as we don't get the subsidies available on hill farms."

Also being snapped up at the market were cakes, pastries and biscuits baked by Alison Sayer, of Grassholme Farm, Lunedale, and sold under the Alison's Country Pantry banner. She also serves Sunday lunches and teas, which are so popular that bookings have to be made.

It's another case of a farming family diversifying and building up custom through these markets. The next is at Barnard Castle a week tomorrow.

Warm praise was heard in Butterknowle this week for the post office at the Diamond Inn, where Trevor and Lilian Dunn are mine hosts and son Paul helps out. Daughter Marie looks after postal services.

After a spell without a post office villagers appreciate it hugely. The office is open from noon to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Seventeen young people in the upper dale are keen to try Irish dancing, but nobody can be found to teach them. Anyone who can pass on some skills is asked to contact Madeleine Sutcliffe on (01833) 640877.

Tony Seaman won't be putting on his slippers and loafing around after he retires today as Teesdale District Council's director of development services.

He tells me he aims to climb more of Scotland's Munros, mountains of more than 3,000ft. He has already scaled 102. He has often been seen repairing footpaths or supporting countryside projects, and is still as keen on them as ever. He'll also continue some voluntary duties for a village hall group and a work development concern.

Tony will also spend more time on his bike, viewing the Pennine scenery and plans to improve his technology skills and mull over ideas for starting a business.

He also intends to do some home improvements to please his wife, Janet.

In Woodland this week, I was asked if I could remember Jessie Wallace, who used to write a weekly Teesdale column, and if she had any connection with an actress of the same name. The answer is yes, I remember her well. There's not enough space left this week, but I'll give some surprising news about her next Friday.

* I'll be glad to see anyone who calls with snippets of news at The Northern Echo office at 36 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, on Mondays and Tuesdays, telephone (01833) 638628.