NIGHT-OWLS are being offered a close encounter with forest wildlife.

The Forestry Commission and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will be staging their first Nightwatch event in Guisborough Forest, on Friday, September 2, from 7pm.

Visitors will be able to use telescopes to look at stars, and will learn about bats and moths.

Recreation ranger Cath Brason said: "The forest is a completely different place at night, with many animals stirring from their slumber and stars sparkling brightly overhead."

The event is based at Guisborough Forest and Walkway visitor centre, Pinchinthorpe, near Guisborough.

Visitors are asked to take a torch, binoculars and warm clothing. The cost is £1.

For more details call (01287) 631132