A DUSTING of magic was spread over Burley at the weekend as hundreds of fairies made mischief in the little village.

Folklore and magic is synonymous with Burley, so where better to host the New Forest Fairy Festival.

First staged in 2013 by Holly Norman, the owner of the Coven of Witches, the festival has grown to mighty proportions in just two years.

Ms Norman said: "Nestling in the lea of a hill where time has stood still for hundreds of years surrounded by mighty oaks, tree spirits and woodland creatures, lives the Forest Fairy Folk, under every leaf, behind every tree you might see them.

"Listen for the Fairy bell and they will appear, their gossamer wings glinting in the sunlight.

"Walk on the ley lines and gather the amazing healing energy the Forest gives to all of us, talk with the wise women of the Forest who teach the fairies their secrets."

Face-painting, belly dancing and a fancy dress competition gave people a chance to be fairies or elves for the two-day spectacular.

Clairvoyants, healers and live music from the Mother Ukers, who played a ukelele version of The Prodigy's Firestarter, guaranteed an electric atmosphere.