THE North Tyne and Redesdale played a starring role in the BBC Countryfile Christmas Special as camera crews visited the region.

TV star Matt Baker visited the Bird in Bush pub in Elsdon to meet the pub’s owners, Katie and Stephen, whilst preparing for a big Christmas party for the whole village.

There was also a spotlight on the local Song Reivers community choir looking to spread some Christmas cheer to those people who might otherwise who feel isolated in the countryside.

Red and Sam Kellie who run a micro-brewery behind the Bird in Bush pub used local hedgerow fruits to brew a Christmas porter fit for the party at the pub.

Esteemed presenter John Craven visited Kielder Forest with local foragers Linus Morton and Louise Hepworth, searching for the wild ingredients needed to conjure up some festive treats.