EMMERDALE'S Charity Tate will be returning to the village where she grew up on Saturday to play a sort of Maid Marion role in the greenwood.

Emma Atkins, who spent her childhood in Silverdale, will be guest of honour at the National Trust's Greenwood Fair this weekend, May 17 and 18. The star of one of the country's most popular and enduring TV soaps will be able to get first-hand experience of dry stone walling and charcoal burning.

Organised by the National Trust and the Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the event is expected to draw crowds to Clark's Lot in Stankelt Road and will be a showcase for country crafts and woodland industries. Tree surgery to coppicing will be demonstrated, and basket to hurdle-making will be shown.

Chris Whiteside of the National Trust said it was not generally known Emma Atkins had grown up in Silverdale.

"Like most people who come from this area, she loves this special countryside and welcomes a chance to return," he said. "She is pleased to support the activities that are being demonstrated."

May 15, 2003 16:30