HUNDREDS of people flocked to Castlemilk woods to see the area transformed into a wonderful enchanted forest.

The evening included dance by Scottish Ballet, a display of fire and flame, illuminated woodland walks, the building of night dens, lit-up water features and lighting displays.

There were also performances from Castlemilk Youth Complex, and Castlemilk Heritage Group was on hand to share interesting facts about the area.

The event was organised by local charity the Jeely Piece Club, which was set up in 1975 by a local group of mothers worried their children had nowhere safe to play.

Funding for the free event was provided by the Forestry Commission, and proved so popular with local people that there was a long waiting list for tickets.

Aileen Campbell, Scottish Minister for Children and Young People, said: The Jeely Piece Club created an incredible night-time wonderland experience for the families coming along and showing the outdoors can inspire all manner of fun and activities.

"Woodland Play in the Dark used activities like den building and ballet workshops to bring a familiar space to life in a totally new way.

"It also allowed the more adventurous visitors to be able to explore historic escape tunnels and find out facts about the area they are growing up in and hopefully inspire even more games and activities."

Organisers of the Jeely Piece Club are hoping to be able to run a similar event next year and to extend it over two nights.

Head of play Grace Lamont said: "Our aim is that Woodland Play in the Dark will be a pilot for a city play experience which fits with environmental and educational aspirations.

"We want to provide an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy a very different event together and feel inspired about the potential of their local community woodland to be a playground for their children."

The event was attended by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, who is a fan of the Jeely Piece Club.

She said: "It is a highly respected and a valuable community resource for children, their parents, carers and the wider community.

"The Play in the Dark project is exciting and great fun. I was delighted to endorse this imaginative, child-centred project that saw Castlemilk Park lit up for this one-off night time play event."

Hugh McNish, forestry Commission Scotland's health advisor for the central belt said the event was an incredible opportunity to inspire young people to use their local woodland.

He added: "We are committed to creating a lasting legacy from the Commonwealth Games that helps people lead healthier lives.

"The Woodland Play in the Dark event is just one example of how people can take advantage of some of their great natural areas."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk