YOUNG people are being offered the chance to beat the summer blues and have a riot of a time in some of the region's most spectacular woodlands.

The Forestry Commission is staging its first Ranger Roadshow, calling at Kielder and Hamsterley Forests and Chopwell Wood.

Children will be able to join nature safaris, create forest masterpieces using rustic materials and grapple with ropes and planks in team-building games.

Forestry Commission spokesman Richard Gilchrist said: "Our rangers from across the region have joined the roadshow bandwagon to offer a really great day out in these fantastic forests.

"There will be a chance to find out more about wildlife and get down to some serious fun and games. Places are limited."

The event is suitable for children aged from eight to 14 years, who will need to take sturdy footwear and waterproofs.

Places cost £4 a day and £2 for a half-day.

To reserve places, contact: Kielder Forest, near Kielder Castle, August 15, (01434) 250209; Chopwell Wood, Gateshead, August 16, (01207) 542231 and Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, August 17, (01388) 488312.