CHILDREN from seven schools across Waltham Forest are to be given a rare to chance to experience life in the countryside without leaving London.

Countryside Live is to come to Leyton Marsh and will give a total of 3,000 children from around London the opportunity to take part in activities such as nature trails and boating.

Organised by Lee Valley Regional Park and the Countryside Foundation for Education, it will feature nearly 40 'countryside themed' events, including a sheep show and ferret race.

Schools attending from Waltham Forest include Beaumont, Woodford Green, St Saviour's, South Grove, and St Mary's Catholic Primary, and St Joseph's RC Infants and Juniors.

Events take place on September 23 and 24.

Other London boroughs taking part include Hackney, Lewisham, Barnet, Enfield, Tower Hamlets and Haringey.