A TYNEDALE artist will appear on a popular TV show at the start of the new year.

Ruth Thompson, an artist from West Mickley, will be appearing on BBC 2's Robson Green's Weekend Escapes on New Year's Day at 7pm. 

Ruth is best known for her business, Sylvan Skills, where she crafts beautiful work from willow and greenwood. She set the business up in 1994.

She met Robson at Tughall Trees near Chathill in North Northumberland, where the pair and Robson's partner, Zoila, created small weaving baskets.

"Filming with Robson was amazing. He was just a normal guy, easy-going and very professional," Ruth said.

"He directed the whole thing, but it was relaxed as it was just us and a small camera crew, unlike being on a massive TV set.

"I was really surprised when I was called up to do the show, but I am very thankful for the opportunity.

"The location must have been the reason why the activity was chosen and why I was called - as we were surrounded by the trees, and producers must have linked it up to willow craft somehow, which is my speciality.

"In the episode, I got to showcase my willow weaving skills and share it with Robson and his girlfriend.

"It was lovely to be out in nature and to make something, and it only took two hours to shoot - which surprised me.

"Like in the episode with Allendale's Tracey Taylor from Forge Studios, we talked about mental health and the importance of it. During the episode, we also talked a lot about autism, and I told my story about my own experience of it. 

"I did not get diagnosed until I was 50, which came as a shock at first, but it helped me understand why I found some things difficult when others did not.

"Since being on TV, I have thought about helping others and steering my work towards the importance of mental health and autism. I already do a lot of community work but I would love to do more."