CLOG dancing, tree felling and African drumming were among the attractions as visitors went down to the woods for some fun.

The Mayor of Bolton Cllr Kevan Helsby was among visitors who flocked to the Working Woodlands Festival and enjoyed a host of attractions -- including clog dancing and tree felling.

The event, held at Moses Gate Country Park, featured a range of unusual activities and gave guests the chance to try their hand at apple pressing, African drumming and recycling rubbish.

Entertainment was provided by Nigel, the 8ft 2in tall jester who strode around the site and the Smithills School samba band which performed throughout the day dressed in red and black costumes.

The festival provided a number of demonstrations in an activity tent, including the Elaine Hill sheepdog demonstrations, where trained dogs herded geese instead of sheep; the Cheshire Falconry Display Team and the Mid Wales Axe Racing Team, who demonstrated log axing, springboard chopping and cross-cut sawing.

Traditional

Children enjoyed a traditional Punch and Judy show, a ride on a train called Sophie around the grounds or listened to tales of tree folk and woodland magic during a half hour session of storytelling.

Other things to see included tree trunks being carved into sculptures using a chain-saw and beautiful thatched Wendy houses being made, which sell at £1,490.

The Silver Fletchings, a group of 18 people from Burton-on-Trent added a Medieval feel to the day by dressing in traditional costumes.

Philip Burton, a member of the group who re-enact Medieval battles and visit festivals throughout the country, was dressed as a knight in a full suit of armour. He said: "Everyone seems to be having a good time and enjoying themselves."

A woodland officer was on hand to explain tree climbing, tree felling, snigging -- which describes how timber was removed from the woods in the days before mechanisation and the ancient craft of charcoal making.

Cllr Helsby said: "The festival was excellent and there was something there for everyone. I rode on a train, chopped down a small tree and sampled apples, cut and pressed with different devices. I thought everyone played their part very well - it was very practical and interesting and it was a very good day."