A woodland is being created in an area once decimated by foot-and-mouth disease.

The Thorpe Farm Centre at Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, was created on a former pig farm in 2002.

Starting with a traditional farm shop and a bistro, the site now has an antiques business, a falconry display team and a garden centre.

Former pig farmer Paul Barkes, and his wife, Jo, intend to create an attraction that will be called Teesdale Heritage Wood. It will feature nine different species.

Many of the trees will be sponsored by visitors to the wood, who will receive a certificate detailing the tree they have sponsored, its location and any dedication.

Mr Barkes said: "Once sponsors have picked a tree to mark a family event or special occasion, they can visit year after year to watch its progress and to generally enjoy the open woodland setting and the wide spectrum of wildlife that will take up residence there."

Children from Startforth Primary School, Barnard Castle, have sponsored trees at the wood.

Teacher Debbie Heap said: "The wood has great educational spin-offs. We can bring the children here once or twice a year to monitor the trees' progress and learn about the surrounding wildlife, keeping records of the evolving woodland over the coming years."