Families invited to go behind the scenes at a working farm

FAMILIES are being urged to visit the Peak District over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend and take a look behind the scenes of a working farm owned by the National Trust.

On Sunday, May 30, and Monday, May 31, Dunscar Farm in Castleton, on the National Trust's High Peak and Longshaw Estate, will host its annual Family Countryside Fair.

The fair offers a chance for parents and children to take part in life at the farm, which is a 26-hectare tenanted sheep farm in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Visitors will be given the chance to try dry stone walling and other traditional crafts, and a maze made from hay bales will be available for children.

There will also be a children-only climbing wall and demonstrations by working sheepdogs and dogs used by the the Peak District's mountain rescue teams.

A programme of live music from local bands will take place each day and the fair will also feature a National Trust stand which will sell produce from some of the Trust's farms in the Peak District.

Helicopter rides by local firm Pennine Helicopters will be available on the Monday.

Simon Wright, countryside manager for the National Trust, said: "The Family Countryside Fair at Dunscar Farm is always extremely popular with visitors and families in particular love the wide range of activities we have on offer.

"It's a great chance for people to find out more about the countryside and how it's looked after while enjoying the Peak District's spectacular landscape."

The Family Countryside Fair takes place at Dunscar Farm, Castleton, on May 30 and 31 between 11am and 4pm.