A FILM crew from the BBC’s Countryfile programme visited the Rural Crafts Centre at Herefordshire and Ludlow College’s, Holme Lacy Campus to collect footage for the episode ‘Crafts in the Countryside’ which aired on Sunday.

Students from the BA Hons course in artist blacksmithing were featured, as well as first year farriery apprentice Joshua Millar.

The programme illustrates the way that the craft has changed considerably over the last few decades but also how it is far from dying out as waves of new blacksmiths are trained each year.

Blacksmithing lecturer Adrian Legge and BA Hons artist blacksmithing student Laura Bradley travelled out to the forge at Acton Scott Working Farm in south Shropshire to help Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison make her own poker.

Laura, who moved from Sheffield to study the degree, said:“I thought Countryfile was a great experience - really interesting and a lot of fun.

"Many people probably aren’t aware of the modern blacksmithing industry, it is really good to get it out there and for people to know what it is we do.”

Ian Peake, principal of Herefordshire and Ludlow College,said: "This is an excellent way to raise awareness of blacksmithing and farriery, for which Herefordshire and Ludlow College's considerable expertise is recognised locally, nationally and internationally.

"I am sure that the insight into these crafts provided by Countryfile will encourage many more young people and adults to pursue rewarding careers in these rural professions."

Ellie Harrison and her crew spent two days filming traditional skills around Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, from blacksmithing to butter-making.

Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for visitor economy, said: “Late last year, the farm hosted Channel 4’s Monty Don’s Real Craft series, which was aired in May 2014, so this together with Ellie’s report gives national recognition to Acton Scott as a centre for traditional skills.”

Acton Scott’s 2015 programme of traditional rural craft and trade courses has just been launched, featuring many favourites such as working with heavy horses, blacksmithing and cider making, alongside some new skills such a stone masonry and foraging.

The venue first came to prominence for many people when it was used as the base for the BBC television series Victorian Farm.

The episode is available to watch at www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer by searching for Countryfile.