RYEDALE Folk Museum is holding a Countryside Crafts weekend.

On Saturday, the Cleveland Fibre Arts group will attempt to take on a "back to back" challenge. Beginning with a fleece sheered and washed from the museum’s very own Manx Loughtan sheep, the group will then tease, card, spin and knit a jumper.

Kirsty Holtby, the museum’s commercial manager said: “We are all delighted that the Cleveland Fibre Arts group has taken on the challenge this year. It’s been made extra special because they’ll be using a fleece sheared from one of our very own rare breed sheep. It really is a fantastic opportunity to see all the processes involved in knitting a jumper.”

The Cleveland Fibre Arts group will begin its challenge as the museum opens and hope to have the jumper knitted by the time the museum closes on Saturday afternoon.

The group will be on hand to explain to visitors as they demonstrate all the steps of the challenge.

Jennifer Smith, Museum Director said “Our Countryside Crafts event has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. It’s always a pleasure to see the site come to life with the support of some wonderful people who are willing to share and show their craft skills with our visitors.”

Throughout the weekend, the No Name re-enactment group will be on hand with craft and cooking demonstrations from different periods in history as well as historical archery demonstrations.

There will also be blacksmithing demonstrations in the museum’s own forge, along with woodturning, carving, long bow making and chair caning.

Highlights on Saturday include a group of Medieval singers who will be raising the roof of the Manor House with their historical tunes. On Sunday, there will be a display of archaeology with a pottery expert on hand and visitors are invited to bring their own garden pottery finds for the Museum’s expert to have a look at. The Minster Stray morris dancers will also be performing for visitors.

The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.

For details phone 01751 417367 or go to ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk