FOOD producers from across the North-East and Yorkshire are invited to help a historic Northumberland house celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Cragside, near Rothbury, was the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. It is to host its first Cheese Week in September and is inviting cheese makers and other food producers to get involved.

The celebrations are part of the “Building Dreams: 150 years of Cragside” programme, and partly aims to dispel what organisers say is an old wives’ tale that cheese causes nightmares – they say it actually acts as a sleeping aid and promotes good sleep.

Producers are invited to sell their produce at Cragside under the following categories: cheese; bread and biscuits (not scones and cakes); oils; chutneys and wine.

Kate Hunter, coordinator, said: “We’re excited to host our first ever Cheese Weekand are looking for cheese producers from across the region to come and exhibit their produce here at Cragside. If you’re interested, please contact me and be part of what we hope will be a truly great week in Rothbury.”

The National Trust-owned property is home to one of the largest rock gardens in Europe and has a network of walks and an adventure play area.

The week runs from Tuesday, September 24 to Sunday, September 29, 10am to 4pm.

The pitch fee is £15 daily or £60 for the full five days. For full details and to book, contact kate.hunter@nationaltrust.or.uk.