FAMILIES can go in search of the of the elusive Snark in a North forest this spring.

The Hunting of the Snark, the classic nonsense poem by Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll, will be brought to life by outdoor promenade theatre company Burn the Curtain.

The company will tour to seven Forestry Commission sites across England this year, including Hamsterley Forest near Bishop Auckland on May 3, 4 and 5, from 7pm each night.

The outdoor show is suitable for all ages and takes families on a journey of action and adventure, as performers as for help as they make a fresh attempt to find the mythical Snark.

Visitors will walk two or three miles during the event so will need to wear appropriate clothing and good footwear and take a torch or head lamp.

It will be accompanied by a new phone app called Snarkhunter, which tells the original story with games and trails to follow.

From early March, the app will be available as a free download, for use at Hamsterley Forest and a further six Forestry Commission sites.

Joe Hancock, Burn the Curtain’s artistic director, said: “Adventure awaits you in your local Forestry Commission England Forest.

"Snarkhunter, our brand new adventure game app will take you on an exciting journey through the forest, on the trail of the Snark.

"Our new outdoor promenade show, takes you back to the forest to find out what happened to the cast of characters, as they continue to seek the Snark."

Details and tickets are available at boxoffice.forestry.gov.uk