WHILE many youngsters throughout Ryedale were busy helping to decorate the family Christmas tree at the weekend, a group of children set about beautifying a giant sycamore in the grounds of Malton's historic Orchard Fields.

They were taking part in Norton Wildlife Watch's celebration of National Tree Dressing Day and after making artistic creations, which ranged from a pheasant and a bat to butterflies and snakes, they hung them in the branches of the tree.

Explained Sue Holmes, the group leader: "The project is part of 'Wild About Ryedale' which aims to get the community in general and youngsters in particular involved in appreciating the district's beautiful countryside and wealth of wildlife."

The group is the junior branch of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, added Sue, and its membership ranges from six to 14.

"The colourful, durable sculptures made by the children are hung in the tree for the public to appreciate and then at a later date the children can take them home if they wish."

Nine-year-old Alex Tate-Smith said the children had made their models from printing plates, cut and painted in an array of wildlife scenes. Lily Horne, nine, who hung a large butterfly she had made, said: "The branches of the trees are very bare at this time of the year so our models help brighten them up."

Molly Keal, nine, opted for a ladybird and squirrel for her contributions to the event, all the pieces made and riveted, under the guidance of Rick Havely of Rural Arts North Yorkshire.

Updated: 12:34 Wednesday, December 10, 2003