A 13ft tall dragon did not dare breathe fire when it took centre stage at a festival all about wood at the weekend.

The brightly coloured model animal was one of the stars of the Weird and Wonderful Wood, set in Haughley Park, Wetherden.

Some 8,700 visitors came to the event near Stowmarket which saw about 100 artists showcase their wood-crafting skills.

Tarby Davenport, the event’s co-ordinator, said: “The dragon was absolutely brilliant and it was a big attraction for the children. It played a variety of instruments and if you pressed the buttons it performed different tunes.

“We’ve never had it before, it was pretty extraordinary.

“Haughley Park is brilliant, it’s a really good setting. I think the estate owner Robert Williams was delighted.”

Workshops for adults and children to have a go at included archery, willow weaving, puppet making and den building.

The event has been going for about 20 years and raises money for Stow Hundreds, a not-for-profit organisation.