NATURE trails will bring walkers face to face with prehistoric men, thanks to the efforts of two chainsaw artists. Ben Platts-Mills and Ray Brooks have used chainsaws to carve out of solid oak a series of sculptures that can now be found along footpath routes in Suffolk.

NATURE trails will bring walkers face to face with prehistoric men, thanks to the efforts of two chainsaw artists.

Ben Platts-Mills and Ray Brooks have used chainsaws to carve out of solid oak a series of sculptures that can now be found along footpath routes in Suffolk.

A flint man can be seen in Brackey Wood in Hoxne, a prehistoric head has been placed on the outskirts of Eye and a wooden bench will feature in Syleham.

The wooden sculptures are part of Mid Suffolk District Council's Heart of Oak Project, which is designed to give people the opportunity to appreciate local art and encourages them to explore the countryside.

Zoey Furzer , arts development assistant for the council, said: "We want to create a nature trail that enhances our already beautiful local environment. We hope these spectacular sculptures will put the area on the map."

The first sculpture made for the project was a dragon's head for Scole picnic site, which is on the ley-line known as the dragon line that runs from St Michael's Mount in Cornwall to Hopton, near Lowestoft and through Scole. Mid Suffolk District Council said the artwork has already helped to boost tourist figures.