A FOREST will be lit up with a lantern parade this weekend to recall the area's rich mining heritage.

Children from Chopwell Primary School will take part in the dusk parade through Chopwell Woods on Saturday, carrying lanterns depicting miners' helmets, pick axes and even pit ponies.

The youngsters are busy creating the latex and willow lanterns with help from Blackhall Mill-based art group Makers and Shakers.

The scheme has been organised by the Friends of Chopwell Wood, with support from the Forestry Commission.

The parade will start in Chopwell village and end at the main car park in the wood, at 4pm.

Liz Searle, from the Friends of Chopwell Wood, said: "The project has caught everyone's imagination and has been a fabulous way of exploring the past.

"The lantern walk will retrace the footsteps of countless miners who once trod the paths on their way to work at local collieries, the last of which shut in 1967."

The parade also marks the start of the sale of Christmas trees at the wood, proceeds from which fund the annual Chopwell Forest Festival.

There will also be wreaths and decorations for sale, a craft marquee and a visit from Santa.

Christmas trees will be sold from 8am to 8pm until December 23.

Ms Searle said: "It's always a wonderful festive atmosphere in the wood.

"There's plenty going on, and with the fragrance of pine and spruce needles on the cold, crisp air, it beats the hustle and bustle of the high street hands down."