Sparks will fly when one of the north’s top blacksmiths hammers out inspirational work at Guisborough Forest Festival tomorrow.

David Stephenson, from Lockton, near Pickering, studied palaeontology at college, but snubbed old fossils to travel the world. After a spell teaching he opted to forge a new career and now crafts exquisite iron work.

His current high-profile projects include making new iron crosses for St Joseph’s Church in Pickering – famed for its Eric Gill font – and which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Previously he made the gates for the restored medieval herb garden at the Treasurer’s House, in York.

At Guisborough he will be joined by wood turners, willow weavers, wood carvers, charcoal makers and horse loggers. Forestry Commission Ranger Cath Brason said: “The Festival is a fabulous celebration of the great outdoors in the idyllic foothills of the North York Moors. It goes from strength to strength and this year we have more free and hands-on activities.”

This event is organised by the Forestry Commission, Friends of Guisborough Forest and Walkway and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

More than 4,000 revellers are expected to attend.

Opening times are 10am to 4pm. For further details, phone 01287 631132, or log on to forestry.gov.uk/yorkshireandthehumber