A UNIQUE craft project for the over-55s has culminated with a month-long exhibition in Barnard Castle.
Retired farmer and drystone waller Trevor Dixon has been leading Creative Age workshops in the upper dale since October last year.
For almost 30 years, Mr Dixon, from Kinninvie, has been producing miniature models of drystone walls, farmhouses and outbuildings made from natural materials.
The workshops, which were organised by The Witham, in Barnard Castle, have given people the opportunity to learn from his artistic talent and develop a new skill.
A collection of handmade stone models crafted by 13 of those involved in the project have gone on display at The Witham for the whole of this month.
Mr Dixon said: “I have shown them some of my work and they have looked at those.
“They have done really well. I think the work is impressive seeing as they have not done it before.
“It has been something different for me and it has been interesting.”
Centre manager at The Witham Susan Coffer added: “This is a culmination of five months work. The project has been a huge success.
“People have surprised themselves with what they have managed to do and quite rightly they are proud of what they have created.”
She added: “It has got people out the house. They have met new people and made new friends.
“They have enjoyed the social aspect of meeting. We have had people from all walks of life. Some people have bought Trevor’s kits to carry it on at home.”
The weekly two-hour sessions were hosted by Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services), at Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Funding was provided by the County Durham Community Foundation.
Ms Coffer said: “Utass have been the most fantastic partners. They have been really welcoming and everyone has felt at home.
“Unfortunately, like all funding, it comes to an end.
“At the beginning we did not know how it was going to go. The feedback has been extraordinary and positive.”
The exhibition is on now at The Witham and will run until Saturday, March 28. The gallery is open 10am till 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.
