A MOUSE took a stroll through a deep dark wood – and now visitors to Moors Valley Country Park can follow in his footsteps.

The park has just opened its self-led trail, featuring characters from the well-loved children’s story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler The Gruffalo.

Recently described by The Observer as a “modern classic” the story tells the tale of a mouse who takes a walk through the woods in search of a nut.

He encounters three predators who all wish to eat him, outwitting them by inventing an imaginary monster who then turns out to be only too real.

The park’s education ranger Tracy Standish, said: “We are thrilled to be given permission to bring the classic children’s tale to our own ‘deep, dark wood” at Moors Valley, where we have wild versions of each of the animal characters.

“We are keen to promote the value of a walk in the woods and some of our wonderful British wildlife.”

The trail includes activities and questions on the story and runs until September 2.

Just pick up a trail card, priced £2, from the Visitor Centre between 10.30am and 5pm.

• You can visit the park for free tomorrow between 4pm and 7pm and try out many of the attractions, including train rides, pitch and putt and Segway taster sessions.

There is also a 50 per cent discount on Go Ape, just quote MVTDAY when you book online or in person at the park.