SCOTTISH kids will have the chance to meet one of the world’s favourite fictional furry monsters when the Gruffalo goes on safari in aid of a Stirling-based charity.

The much-loved beast will be joined by his creator Julia Donaldson as she gives 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 can meet the pair at Blair Drummond Safari Park on August 19 for an event in aid of Artlink Central.

Kevin Harrison, the charity’s director, said: “The audience will be the first to hear from Julia’s new book with illustrator Axel Scheffler.”

Donaldson said Artlink Central is “a fantastic charity which puts artists, actors, musicians and writers into Scottish communities to work with vulnerable people”.