HEAVEN and earth are going to be open to view in a late-night forest excursion.

Night owls will be able to look at the stars and life on earth in the 8,600-acre Dalby Forest, near Pickering, on Saturday.

At the Nightwatch event, members of Scarborough Astronomical Society will give visitors the chance to search the heavens using a battery of powerful telescopes.

Forestry Commission rangers will deploy bat detectors and moth traps to examine life a little closer to home.

Last year's event attracted more than 100 people, and this year it coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, known as one of the best displays of shooting stars.

Chief recreation ranger Brian Walker said: "It's one of our most popular events and visitors get a real thrill exploring star clusters and moon craters for the first time through a telescope.

"The forest can be a wonderful place at night with beautiful skies and plenty of wildlife scurrying about. It should be a memorable evening."

The event runs from 8pm to 11.30pm, and costs £3 for adults and £2 for concessions. Visitors should bring binoculars and a torch. More details are available from (01751) 460378