PEOPLE are being invited to see wood-harvesting machinery in action.

Visitors will see the £250,000 machine in action on Wednesday, July 28, at Dalby Forest, near Pickering.

They will be given an excellent view of the harvester grabbing a tree with a mechanical claw, before cutting through the trunk and trimming it to exact customer specifications, stored in an on-board computer.

Harvesting forester Mark Weston said: "Harvesters in action are an awesome sight, but they are also performing a crucial task.

"Well-managed forests like Dalby are producing a vital renewal resource, offering a green alternative to many other materials.

"Extracting timber efficiently keeps costs down, leaving more resources for wildlife and recreation projects."

Approximately 56,000 acres of woodland is managed in the North Yorkshire Moors forest district and the timber output averages 120,000 tonnes per year.

The wood is used for fencing pallets, building interiors and newsprint.

It is eligible to carry the Forest Stewardship Council logo, which audits the region's woods to ensure their management is eco-friendly.

A minibus will be used to take people to harvesting sites, so booking is essential.

The cost is £5 adults and £3 concessions and booking can be made on (01751) 472771.

Visitors should meet at 1.30pm at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre.