TEENAGERS tried their hands at everything from samba drumming to felt making at an action packed youth arts festival.

YOUfest served up an array of performing arts, music and craft workshops to 13 to 18-year-olds across three venues in Barnard Castle today (July 13) and yesterday (July 12).

The pilot project, organised by artist Jill Cole and funded by Teesdale Area Action Partnership, Arts Council England and the Sir James Knott Trust, was aimed at introducing youngsters to new creative activities.

Street dance, DJ-ing, drama, crafts, carnival costume design and graffiti art were just some of the workshops on offer at Teesdale School, Teesdale Leisure Centre and the TCR Hub.

The workshops were led by professional musicians, actors and artists, who were keen to pass on their skills and experience to the enthusiastic teens.

Robert Thomas, 18, from Wolsingham, was particularly impressed by the performing arts and animation workshops.

“I have really enjoyed it,” he said. “The people who run the activities have been great. They were really supportive and very friendly. It has been a fantastic day.”

Many youngsters camped overnight at the festival, which also featured a gig starring local bands.

Craig Morgan, chairman of Teesdale Area Action Partnership, said: “This was the first time we have done it so we did not know what to expect but it went really well. The kids that came seemed to have a great time.”