Luke Casey begins the week's edition of The Dales Diary in Bedale where he meets fell runner and poet John Barton Watson. When John isn't running in the fells of Coverdale then he spends his time writing lyrical poetry about the countryside, its history and wildlife.

His friend Walter Parker encouraged him with his dream to put some of his poems into print, and a book containing John's poems called 'Pools of Gold' was duly published. The book is beautifully illustrated by Walter, who was a commercial artist, designer and illustrator.

Luke then travels to the South Tyne Valley to find something hot and exotic. High up in the hills 600 feet above sea level Dan May is happily growing chillies in poly tunnels on his farm at Coanwood near Haltwhistle. Despite a few early mistakes, he now has a healthy crop of 60 different ranges. From these he makes sauces, rubs, spice blends, oils and ketchups and now even chilli chocolates have been enthusiastically received.

Finally in tonight's programme Luke travels to some woods on the edge of the North York Moors where he meets chainsaw sculptor Steve Iredale. As Luke finds out, most of Steve's work is done on site in woodlands, parks, private estates or schools. His main source of inspiration is wild animals and birds. Steve likes the idea of using wood that would otherwise be wasted. He generally likes working in hardwoods as they are more durable. Many of his sculptures can be seen at Guisborough Forest.