THOUSANDS of people turned out to celebrate 100 years of Forestry England at Kielder at the weekend.

The weekend of activities, which took place throughout the Kielder Forest included a ceremonial tree planting and a classic car rally and show.

On Friday, members of the Royal Forestry Society gathered at Kielder Castle for a ceremonial tree planting to offically mark the 100th anniversary of Forestry England – formerly known as the Forestry Commission.

Delegates also gathered to see the Michael Lawson Smith, grandson of the founder of the Forestry Commission Lord Robinson, officially open the new Elf Kirk viewpoint.

Saturday saw hundreds of Land Rovers and vintage tractors parade through the North Tyne, starting at Kielder Castle and ending at Bellingham.

And on Sunday, the annual classic car show saw hundreds of vintage cars and vans descend upon Kielder Castle in the sunshine, including three recently-restored vintage Forestry Commission vans.

Alex MacLennan, Forestry England’s recreation public affairs manager, said: “It was great to see so much going on to celebrate 100 years of forestry.

“With record numbers of heritage and classic vehicles out on Saturday and Sunday, everyone was blown away with the thousands of people that turned out over the weekend.”

The exhibition charting 100 years of Forestry England, and the timeline of Kielder Forest, will remain on show at Kielder Castle until September.