YOUNGSTERS in Ellesmere have been inspired to get creative over the summer, after visiting a 'magical' art trail in the town.

The magical trail was created by Fizzgigs, Ellesmere's community arts group, in the Plantation Wood and featured twelve enormous imaginary creatures.

These ranged from a caterpillar lurking in the undergrowth to a proud hawk with outstretched wings ready to take off from high up in a tree.

As well as these out-sized creations there was a parliament of more than twenty small owls made by members of the community.

Young visitors to the trail could take part in a competition by writing a story or poem, drawing a picture or taking a photograph of their favourite creature.

Once the trail and the competition closed early in September a team of judges had the job of choosing the winning entries.

The winning entries came from Fletcher Jordon aged six, Jonah Durham aged seven, Aurora Mahon aged eight, Jessica Arthur and Pippa Sandford, both aged 11.

Event organiser, Claire Cartlidge, said that entries came from far and wide, including Malpas, St Martins, Colwyn Bay as well as from Ellesmere.

She said: "It's been lovely to receive such excellent entries, what fantastic imaginations the children have.

"It was hard to choose which ones to reward with prizes.

"We are so lucky to have had donations of fantastic prizes from some of our local businesses; Moolah, Canvas and Clay and More than a Sundae in Ellesmere, and Booka."

Jonah, who attends Criftins School, wrote a story about Owlbert Einstein.

He said: "I was the first in my family to find the teacher and the owls, it was really exciting.

"I asked my cousins to come see them and I visited them lots.

"I enjoyed seeing them in the forest and imagining the creatures stories, the owls were my favourite."

He added: "I hope to see more magic there.

"Next time, please do more animals, like a sloth, please."

The trail was enjoyed by hundreds of people during the summer holidays, and Fizzgigs chairman Ian Andrew said he was pleased with the response.

"We were blown away by the response," he said.

"We produced a leaflet to guide visitors around the trail which was available in town and from a box at the Plantation.

"We had to refill the box every other day – more than 750 leaflets were printed and used."

For more information about Fizzgigs and upcoming events, go to www.fizzgigs.co.uk