PRINCESS Anne is set to visit Durweston to open a new living classroom project for north Dorset.

The Princess Royal will be welcomed to the Bonsley Wood project, which allows people to display their crafts and skills in a woodland environment, on April 4.

Mandy Joyce, of the Dorset Coppice Group, said: "Bonsley Wood is an important project and to have the Princess Royal open it is a terrific endorsement of the hard work put in by the members."

The living classroom project was funded through North Dorset District Council's liveability fund and is managed by the Coppice Group as part of the working wood.

The project is also planned as a resource for local businesses and an educational facility for children and adults.

North Dorset District Council chairman Col Michael Oliver said: "I'm delighted the Princess Royal will be opening the project. It will be a day to remember."

Liveability grants are given by government to local authorities to work towards improving public open spaces.

North Dorset received the second highest grant in the country.

On the day there will be logging horses, tree climbing, coppice work, tree carving and hurdle making as well as a marquee selling produce from the wood such as furniture, charcoal, bowls and walking sticks.

The council is currently making preparations for Princess Anne's visit and more details of her itinerary will be released shortly.