AUTHOR Julia Donaldson is to make a charity appearance alongside her most famous character, the Gruffalo, as they act out scenes from her new book.

Ms Donaldson will give a special live "wild" performance of her works, including an exclusive preview of her not yet released picture book The Ugly Five which comes out in September.

Families are being offered the chance to get close to Ms Donaldson and the creature at Blair Drummond Safari Park on Saturday August 19.

Two shows on the day will be dedicated Artlink Central, a charity and social enterprise.

Ms Donaldson said: “I’ve been patron of Artlink Central since 2006, a fantastic charity which puts artists, actors, musicians, photographers and writers into Scottish communities to work with vulnerable people like prisoners and people experiencing mental health issues or living with dementia.

"I’m delighted that proceeds from the two performances and the book sales will go to supporting ongoing creative opportunities for children and adults across Central Scotland.”

Kevin Harrison, director of Artlink Central, said: “Julia and her family will be acting out her stories and singing her songs in this hour long show for children, Julia Donaldson's Story Safari."