A COUNTRYSIDE support group held an event to provide visitors with information about the rural economy.

The Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS) hosted the event as part of National Countryside Week in aid of the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

Visitors to the UTASS offices in Middleton-in-Teesdale could learn more about the area’s wool production and also sample foods made from local meats, including a casserole made with sausages from MacFarlane’s butcher and a rabbit and black pudding dish made by restaurateur Bill Oldfield.

Diane Spark from UTASS said: “The point of today is to show people what is going on in the countryside and support those who live and work in the dale.

"It has been a great success with a steady flow of people all day."

UTASS has previously received funding from the Prince’s Countryside Fund, which was launched by the Prince of Wales three years ago to support people and businesses in rural areas.

On Sunday, UTASS will hold a second event in aid of the fund featuring a car boot sale and other outdoor pursuits at Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmer’s Auction Market.

As well as the sale there will also be demonstrations of dry stone walling and stone sculptures.

Entry will cost 20p or is free to under 12s with doors opening at 8.30am for sellers and 10am for the public.

The car boot sale will cost £5 for cars or £8 for vans with tables needing to be booked at 01833-641010 or gordon@utass.org.