CREATURES of the night will be among the star attractions of a dusk until midnight celebration of all things nocturnal in Dalby Forest.

Light will be shed on the lives of owls, bats and moths at the Nightwatch event in the woods, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, on Saturday, August 7.

Later in the evening the telescopes of Scarborough Astronomical Society will be turned skywards.

Peter Lockwood, Dalby recreation ranger, said: "Since the event's inception eight years ago, hundreds of people have enjoyed getting to grips with forest nightlife and finding out more about the stars and constellations.

"Getting a chance to peek through a modern telescope into the vast expanse of the universe is really fantastic."

Visitors will also be able to meet a captive owl, take a trek to hear its wild cousins and discover more about bats in the capable hands of vet and conservationist Lesley Halliwell, from Kirkbymoorside.

The event will be held in Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, from 8pm on Saturday. Visitors are advised to bring a torch and wear warm clothing. The cost is £3 or £2 for concessions. Call (01751) 460378 for details.