A Ferocious dragon is the latest animal to take refuge at a York urban nature park - but visitors needn't panic, because it is made of wood.
The 30ft dragon is being carved from a tree trunk by skilled craftsmen using chain saws at the St Nicholas Fields Urban Nature Park, Tang Hall.
Other creatures including giant tortoises and mammoth mushrooms will also be created as part of a Dragon Rising festival.
This week, dozens of children were helping to paint the sculptures using non-toxic coloured wood stain.
Gordon Campbell-Thomas, of St Nicholas Fields, said: "The whole event is designed to involve children and adults alike in a fun art extravaganza."
The workshops will culminate on Saturday with a fun day involving art and drumming workshops and ending with a dragon procession.
Artists from Regenerate, a community art organisation, will run the workshops. The event is free. Children aged under ten need to be supervised by adults.
The events are being organised by the Friends of St Nicholas Fields, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and City of York Council nature reserves officer Steve Whitaker.
Updated: 09:12 Thursday, June 19, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article