A NEW child-friendly fun activity opens for visitors to Hamsterley Forest next month.

From the creators of the County Durham woodland’s existing Gruffalo attraction, the popular children’s picture book Superworm features in the new family activity trail.

Launching on February 19, the trail follows the premiere of the animated Superworm special from Magic Light Pictures, which aired on BBC One on Christmas Day.

The latest partnership between site operator, Forestry England, and Magic Light Pictures, the trail showcases the, “unsung heroes” of the forest.

Based on the children’s picture book, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, it features the creatures in the Superworm story, such as toad, beetle and Wizard Lizard.

Visitors will find illustrated panels with activities aimed at getting children thinking about the unsung forest inhabitants.

Questions along the mile-and-a-half trail are designed to make young visitors aware of the everyday feats of the minibeasts of the woods and forests around them.

Special Superworm trail packs are available to buy from the visitor centre for £3.50.