NATURE lovers are being invited to hunt for alien life forms on the North York Moors.

But don't panic, there's no need to call for the Men in Black, the life forms are mushrooms and toadstools that have sprouted due to the wet and warm weather.

The Forestry Commission has organised a forage this Sunday through spectacular woodland at Cropton Forest, near Pickering, with wildlife ranger Steve Palmer leading the group.

Steve said that fungi occupy a unique niche in nature and are unlike any other organism on earth.

He said: "Fungi are the unsung heroes of the forest, helping trees draw nutrients from the soil and recycling dead leaves and wood."

Foragers will learn which varieties are edible and which are deadly poisonous, and Steve will be keeping an eye open for fungi such as lawyers wigs, deadmen's fingers and fence post jelly.

The Cropton trek will meet near the Sutherland Lodge outdoor pursuits centre at 1.30pm and will last about two hours. It costs £3 for adults and £2 concessions. Stout footwear is advisable. For more information call (01751) 472771.