The Woodland Trust is hosting a magical evening in one of the Chilterns’ most ancient woods this Friday.

Penn Woods, one of the largest ancient woodlands in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), will be lit up with hundreds of homemade lanterns on December 4 as parents and children learn the art of lantern making in the ancient woodland.

The UK's largest woodland conservation charity, which campaigns to protect and restore ancient woods, is holding the ‘Light up the Night’ event from 4pm until 7pm.

Participants can create their own lanterns until 5pm, before taking a walk amongst the oak, beech and birch trees, some of which are more than 200 years old.

Families following the lantern trail will discover a magical storyteller and finish the evening with marshmallows by the fire.

Mark Franklin, Penn Wood site manager said there is no ‘better way’ to explore the ‘fascinating’ woodland.

The event is free and begins at Penn Street Church carpark, but must be booked in advance by emailing CatherineVivian@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Suitable clothing, footwear should be worn and torches should be brought. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and no Chinese lanterns or naked flames are allowed.