RURAL skills and farming history were the focus of a special event in Exbourne last weekend.

In conjunction with English Heritage Open Days, Exbourne Local History Group held a farming and rural skills day in the village hall on Saturday, September 8.

Throughout the day there were demonstrations in a number of countryside skills, including reed rope making, blacksmithing, wood turning and willow work.

There was also the chance to take part in craft workshops.

On display in the hall for visitors were various old farming tools and agricultural memorabilia, and outside the hall was a small display of vintage farming machinery.