THERE'S a twist in the tail for a group of south Devon crafts people who are keeping an ancient tradition alive.
The arts of hand spinning, knitting and weaving are thriving in Bovey Tracey, thanks to a group of local enthusiasts.
Members of the Activities Trust hold weekly meetings at Phoenix Hall to practice their skills on loom and spinning wheel.
The 14-strong group held an exhibition of their skills recently.
And organiser, Mirja Wollard (pictured bottom right), was keen to spread the word.
She said: 'There are more and more people interested in this kind of thing. There are a number of smallholders who have joined so they can learn to put the wool they produce to good use. But our members only produce garments for themselves and their families. Generally, they don't sell anything.'
Mrs Wollard said she originally became interested in the crafts as a child in her native Finland.
She said: 'My mother used to spin flax into cloth which she then turned in to rugs. I was fascinated by the process. It seemed magical. I started off myself in England about 15 years ago when my children had grown up. I thought it would be nice to learn to weave. And my interest has grown ever since. But if anybody wants to learn themselves they are most welcome to come along to our meetings every Tuesday morning.'
For information tel: 01626 8211114.