THE countdown has begun for a pair of truly green performances by two superstar acts.

Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, will echo to the sounds of Jools Holland and Status Quo at two outdoor concerts in June. The region's wildlife is due to benefit, with much of the proceeds to be ploughed back into conservation projects at the 8,600-acre beauty spot.

Proceeds from similar gigs last year by Jools Holland and Pulp have helped to fund bat boxes and wildlife study grants for amateur naturalists.

District forester Peter Green said yesterday: "The forest was replanted in 1921 to provide a supply of timber, for hard-nosed economic reasons. Before that, it was used for rabbit farming and still earlier was a royal hunting enclosure, when ordinary folk were shut out on pain of death.

"Now recreation is the buzz word and it's becoming an ever more important source of income for us. We're tapping that rich potential to help realise our wildlife and conservation goals."

He added: "It took a fair bit of vision to think we could get such big bands playing in the wilds, let alone attract thousands of people.

"But the results have been astounding, with nearly 7,000 people last year revelling in the atmosphere of two balmy summer evenings."

Status Quo guitarist Francis Rossi said: "Playing in the middle of a wonderful forest like Dalby will be a unique experience."

Tickets cost £24 for Jools Holland on June 21 and £26 for Status Quo on June 22, and are available on the Forestry Commission hotline, (01842) 814612, or at www. wayahead.com. They can also be purchased from Dalby Forest Visitor Centre.

Your chance to win free concert tickets

The Northern Echo has two pairs of tickets to give away for each of the concerts.

To win tickets to see Status Quo simply name their first number one.

For Jools Holland tickets, name the band with which he rose to fame in the 1980s as keyboard player.

Send entries to Holland/Quo Competition, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, DL1 1NF.