MORE than 500 visitors are expected to descend on a forest next week for a Halloween event.

The Forestry Commission is hosting its popular bewitching spectacular in the 5,000-acre Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, next Tuesday.

Groups of visitors will set off on a mystery trail around the woodland, where they will find lanterns twinkling in the darkness and a few eerie faces.

Children from local drama groups will perform a mixture of folklore, music and dance under the direction of members from the Jack Drum Theatre Company.

The company has spent the past few days developing the piece of spooky fiction with the 25 youngsters, who will be dressed in Halloween costume.

Forestry Commission ranger Simon Blenkinsop said: "They will be acting out their stories along a wonderful self-guided tour through the forest, lit with lanterns and accompanied by moody music. It should be a fantastic event. It is the fourth time we have run it and it's proving more popular each year."

The youngsters, aged between ten and 18, are members of the Parkside Drama Club, in Willington, and Turrets Players, the youth section of the Barnard Castle theatre group.

The evening will end with a spectacular fire sculpture along with the judging of the lantern and fancy dress competitions.

Booking is on (01388) 488312. The event costs £2 per person or £6 for a family (two adults and two children). The event starts at 6.30pm.