The third annual lantern walk at Yarner Woods, Bovey Tracey, on Saturday evening evolved into a celebration of the nature reserve's 60th anniversary.

Hundreds of children from schools across the area spent weeks preparing for the event which transformed the darkened woods next to the River Bovey into a light-filled grotto.

The unseen work carried out by millions of ants in maintaining the native woodland's eco-system provided the inspiration for their creative efforts.

In a procession which snaked its way along the valley trail from Pullabrook to a clearing in the trees, the youngsters carried illuminated diamonds to the waiting queen.