VISITORS can join the 'hard hat happening' event at Croft Castle on Saturday and Sunday and enjoy activities based on building and architecture, including demonstrations by local specialist builders and hands-on craft activities.

Children will don a hard hat and see bricks being made by Tony Mugridge who uses traditional early Victorian moulds and hand tools. He can be joined for a practical workshop and there will be a chance to have a go at making bricks.

Visitors can meet specialist building contractors from Treasure and Son Limited, Ludlow, for stonemasonry workshops, demonstrations of lime mortaring and see examples of traditional, hand-crafted timber joint work.

They can join demonstrator Paul Hand with his model hovel and discover how wattle and daub was used to build walls, where it was too expensive to use bricks. See how timber laths can be used to make a framework, then how mud is used as an infill to create strong walls.

'Hard hat happening' is suitable for all ages and the activities are free, although normal admission charges apply. The event runs from 1pm-4.30pm.