KIDS had a hoot at Puzzlewood, near Coleford, making giant owls and bats from various materials, all with the help of artist Imogen Harvey-Lewis from the Prema arts centre at Uley, near Stroud.

It was all part of the national Big Draw event to encourage young people to take an interest in art.

The children's constructions were timely – they will now be used in Halloween Bat Hunts to be run at the attraction from October 24 to October 31.

Also on display throughout the woods and scowles are works by Forest sculptor Ed Elliott, who recently won a National Trust competition for a striking wooden angel with a 14ft wingspan.

Monmouth Boys School pupils have been using Puzzlewood to inspire their arts course work for the past two years and some of their creations will also be on show throughout the month.

"We hope that this will encourage more local schools to come along and be inspired," said manager Helen O'Kane.