FOUR colourful characters are set to bring Arley’s history to life for children visiting the historic country hall and gardens.

Children will be introduced to Elizabeth, John, Benji and Mrs Raffald at Arley’s Fairy Tales and Trails event on Sunday, July 5.

Illustrator Tim Claydon-Butler, from Knutsford, has created the cartoons that will eventually provide facts from the past for Arley’s younger visitors.

“We hope these characters will provide a fun way to explain some of Arley’s history to our youngest visitors,” said general manager Steve Hamilton. “First we will be introducing them through some fun activities at our fairy tales event.”

During the Fairy Tales and Trails event visitors will be able to pose with cut-outs of the characters including a 7ft John, a tree-like creature inspired by a former head gardener at Arley.

There will also be a colouring and drawing competition with a chance to win a cake designed in the shape of one of the characters.

Tim’s other creations include Elizabeth Flower who has a passion for plants and painting, Benji the bee who likes to play in the gardens and Mrs Raffald who is a mouse and font of all knowledge about the hall.

All of the characters are based on real people from Arley’s past and present including Mrs Raffald – who was a 19th century domestic goddess – and Benji, who is named after Benjamin, one of Lord Ashbrook’s grandchildren.

“I did as much research of the Arley archives as possible so all the historic characters are accurate and dressed for the period in which they lived,” said Tim, who is a manager with Royal Mail.

“It’s a fun project and I’m looking forward to seeing how children react to the characters.”

At the Fairy Tales and Trails event children will be invited to explore Arley’s gardens by unravelling clues that will lead them around every nook and cranny, including a magical fairy glen.

The event runs from 11am to 5pm, parking is free.

Advanced family tickets to include up to three children under 16 are £10 and will be £15 on the day.

For more information visit arleyhallandgardens.com/events