A NEWCOMER has arrived on the North York Moors - direct from the world of folklore and legend.

A spectacular five-metre dragon, carved from oak, has landed at the National Park Centre at Danby but his mission is completely peaceful.

He was commissioned by the National Park and will complement other wildlife sculptures along the Riverside Trail at Danby.

The splendid beast was carved by Whitby-based chainsaw sculptor Steve Iredale while local Egton blacksmith James Godbold created the metal work.

The dragon can be found on the new Riverside Trail which includes cloud-watching pillars, wildlife sculptures, balance play, a wellie splash and wildflower wander.

The park authority's senior activity leader Heather McNiff and the education team are currently working with schools on a new activity day where children can take inspiration from the popular "Woodlings" feature - tiny homes for magical folk - in Crow Wood and link it back to their literacy work.

Ms McNiff added: “As part of the launch of the Woodlings storybook, on April 12, families will be encouraged to create their own stories.

"Children will visit the Woodling houses whilst having the story read to them and will make their own woodlings and dragons to take home, finishing the activity by visiting the dragon to make their own wishes.”

To book a place visit Eventbrite.co.uk.

The book, The Woodlings and the Wish Dragon, depicts the story of how the dragon made its home at the Moors Centre and the tiny woodling folk and is available to buy at both the Moors National Park Centre Danby and Sutton Bank Visitor Centre.