GHOSTLY goings-on are in store for visitors to a North Yorkshire beauty spot.

Hallowe'en will be marked on Thursday with an event for all ages in Dalby Forest, near Pickering.

Members of Pickering Dramatic Club will be in costume as spooks and witches, leading ghostly trails through the scenic woodland. They will chill the blood of their guests with spine-tingling tales, including the Witches' Cauldron and the Golden Grave.

Club members taking part will include Freddie Blakely and the appropriately- named Ron Graves.

The Forestry Commission has teamed up with the National Trust and the drama club for one of the biggest Hallowe'en events ever staged in the forest. Activities will include apple bobbing, there will be live owls and bats at the visitor centre, warm refreshments will be available, and search and rescue team members will be leading visitors on blindfold walks.

Ranger Andrew Orland said: "It's already one of our most popular events and we recommend visitors to get into the forest early to enjoy all the revelry. Each walk is limited to 50 people, so everyone will get their fill of spine tingling entertainment."

Treks set off on level terrain from the forest visitor centre every ten minutes between 6pm and 8pm. The tours will operate on a ticket-only, first come first served basis.

There are only 600 tickets available, so people should arrive early. Entry is £2.50 per person (£10 family ticket), payable at the Thornton Dale entrance. Visitors are advised to bring a torch, stout shoes and warm clothing.

Updated: 11:49 Tuesday, October 29, 2002