RICK Astley is set to perform a concert at the heart of an 8,000-acre forest, it has been announced.

The show at Dalby Forest, near Pickering, is the first Forest Live show announced for next summer by the Forestry Commission and will be one of six nationwide by the 50-year-old singer, who returned to the top of the album charts after a 29-year hiatus in June with 50, his first studio record in 11 years.

The show on June 23 will mark the 30th anniversary of his debut single, Never Gonna Give You Up, the Stock, Aitken and Waterman song which made the top spot in 16 countries.

All 17 of Astley's indoor shows in the spring sold out and ticket sales are expected to be brisk for the Dalby concert, where he will perform songs from 50 alongside his greatest hits.

Income from Forest Live ticket sales goes towards the Forestry Commission's protection, improvement and expansion of English forests and woodlands, increasing their value to people and wildlife. Over the concerts' 16-year history, money raised has contributed to such projects as wildlife conservation and making improvements for visitors.

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday at £36.50, plus £4.15 booking fee, on 0300 068 0400 or online at forestry.gov.uk/music