A FOREST became a hive of activity at the weekend as thousands of visitors flocked to enjoy its annual festival.

Now in its fourth year, the Guisborough Forest Festival attracted about 2,500 people.

One of the star attractions was Clare Eyeington, who coaxed youngsters into a percussion frenzy, using scrapyard instruments such as dustbins, tumble dryers, pots, pans and any other old iron.

Twelve-foot ants scurried through the 1,000-acre beauty spot, at Pinchinthorpe, banging out their own samba rhythm on giant drums.

Other attractions included a revival of the 16th Century Japanese skill of raku pottery, and closer-to-home ancient skills such as bodging, horse logging, stone carving, bushcraft and willow weaving.

Cath Brason, recreational ranger, said: "It was a fantastic day. It was really good and we couldn't have asked for better weather. It is the fourth festival and it gradually gets bigger every year."

The event was staged by the Friends of Guisborough Forest and Walkway, the Forestry Commission and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.