KEEP your eyes peeled on your next visit to the Dean Heritage Centre at Soudley...you might just spot a rare beast!

It isn't a boar, and it isn't a bear. The rumour is, it's a Gruffalo!

In fact the Centre has gained permission to use one of the UK's best loved children's books, The Gruffalo, to create an interactive woodland trail at the popular visitor attraction.

Written by Childrens' Laureate (2011-2013) Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler, the Gruffalo story has captured the hearts of families throughout the UK and beyond.

"A gruffalo? What's a gruffalo?"

"A gruffalo! Why, didn't you know? He has terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws."

Following the success of their Christmas Forest Fairy Tale trail, staff at the DHC are busily preparing a spectacular trail including all of the characters from The Gruffalo.

Centre manager Nathalie Hall, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive permission to develop the Gruffalo trail across our site. The original idea was conjured up by one of our volunteers and after careful negotiation with the publishers we have received the go-ahead.

"I believe our location, set against a spectacular forest backdrop will provide the perfect setting to illustrate the story and we have a team of talented chainsaw carvers and volunteers who will create 3D figurines based on the popular characters.

"There will also be interactive elements for children to interact with and learn from."

The Centre is looking for a company or companies to sponsor elements of the trail so please contact Nathalie via [email protected]">[email protected] for more details.