YOUNGSTERS will be able to get involved in an art event with a difference later this month.

The Forestry Commission is running welly dressing sessions in Dalby Forest.

The events are a modern take on the ancient tradition of well dressing, a ritual thought to have originated from pagan times to give thanks for the supply of fresh water.

Artist Vanessa Thompson will invite visitors to forage for materials before decorating wellington boots with twigs, leaves, cones and glitter.

The arty walks are the opener for a series of events in Dalby including nature walks, bike rides and den building.

They are being staged under the Active Woods banner, a national campaign to fight obesity and get people into the forest.

Recreation manager Katie Thorn said: "We wanted a really novel event to kick-off the campaign and one that the whole family could join in with.

"Welly dressing is our colourful answer.

"It's a chance for people to get a spring in their step and the perfect antidote to winter's gloom."

Work on a £400,000 network of all-weather mountain bike trails in Dalby is progressing, with the first segment due to open in the next few weeks.

Welly dressing events run from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 19, meeting at the forest visitor centre.

The cost is £5 per person, with family tickets available from £12.

Places can be booked by calling (01751) 460378.