PAUL Weller and Bryan Ferry will play two massive outdoor concerts in Dalby Forest, near Pickering, this summer, The Forestry Commission has announced.

Paul Weller made his name as the Jam's frontman in the late 1970s and is now hailed as one of the finest songwriters of his generation.

Bryan Ferry sprang to fame with the iconic band Roxy Music in the early 70s, and also went on to forge a successful solo career.

Weller will play to thousands of revellers in the heart of Yorkshire's largest forest on June 19. The following night Ferry will take to the stage, backed by a 12-piece band.

Organiser Paul Cody, from the Forestry Commission, said: "Last year's concerts with Jools Holland and Status Quo were our most successful ever and we are absolutely delighted to have secured two more fantastic artists this summer.

"The reputation of the forest as a magical venue has spread far and wide and there was no shortage of top class acts wanting to appear. We anticipate a big demand for tickets given the international stature of this year's musicians."

Money raised by the concerts will be ploughed back into caring for the region's woods. The venue will the Adderstone Field, a tree-lined clearing in the forest, with a capacity of 4,500 for each gig.

Tickets cost £24 for Bryan Ferry and £26 Paul Weller and are now on sale. They can be booked through the Forestry Commission telephone credit card hotline on (01842) 814612 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 9am - noon. Alternatively, book online at www.wayahead.com (all tickets purchased are subject to a booking fee).

Updated: 09:46 Wednesday, February 25, 2004