A GIANT dragon lurked in the woods as thousands of people enjoyed 'fun in the mud' during a popular Anglesey festival.

The 14th annual Anglesey Woodland Festival was held in the grounds of Plas Newydd over the weekend.

In spite of the wet weather organisers say around 3,000 people took part in the event which promotes traditional woodland skills and crafts.

The festival is organised by Ynys Môn Outdoor Learning Wales in association with the National Trust . It is funded by grant applications and donations.

The free family fun days included demonstrations from experienced craftspeople, locally sourced food and stalls selling handmade items.

Demos included spoon and animal carving, bowl wood-turning, clog making, greenwood furniture, pole-lathing and willow crafts.

The willow dragon was made by Lucy Warren, with help from festivalgoers and friends. It will stay in place until it weathers and biodegrades naturally.

The festival prize, a carved wooden owl, was won by Abbie Hyde, at the event with her dad Ian Hyde, from Manchester, for the first time.

The owl made from yew, was by Duncan Kitson who gave demonstrations of carving birds. The prize was presented to Abbie by Simon Hunt of Outdoor Learning Wales.

A festival spokesperson said: "It was another fantastic event, with something like 1700 people on Saturday and 1200 on Sunday, enjoying fun in the mud, dodging the puddles! If only we'd been selling wellies!

"There were many highlights, and so many skilled crafts people and activities. The dragon was amazing. One popular demo was Doug Don showing people how to whistle with an acorn cup!"

"The event is not possible without help from volunteers, car parking team, the Rotary Club, of Beaumaris. A huge thanks to everyone!"