MORE characters from the story of the Gruffalo have moved in to Westonbirt Arboretum.

Mouse, Fox, Owl, Snake, and Squirrel are joining existing sculptures at the woodland attraction.

Some of them have been created using timber from the Old Man of Kent, a Grand Fir that was until last year the tallest tree in the country. It was felled last August after suffering disease and storm damage.

Forestry Commission marketing manager Sarah Bruce said: “The Gruffalo is a fantastic forest themed family story which has been thoroughly enjoyed by our visitors.

“After the success of Gruffalo Spotters, it is great to be able to add another dimension to our Gruffalo story by installing these beautiful sculptures of the books’ characters which can be enjoyed for many years to come.

“We hope people have fun meeting them on their woodland adventure.”

Alex Sanson, of Magic Light Pictures, which produced the Gruffalo films said: “The addition of these new character sculptures will give families the chance to live out the story in the deep dark wood for years to come.”

Visitors will be able to seek out the story characters in the Old Arboretum and set their imaginations alight on their own Gruffalo adventure.

New activity sheets have been created to get children exploring the deep dark wood with activities that encourage them to find, feel, listen and spot wildlife in the forest.

The sculptures were created by master chainsaw carvers and hand-coloured with wood stain before being installed.