Paul Weller has been revealed as the first act at the annual Cannock Chase Forest concerts later this year.

The singer-songwriter will appear at the specially created venue in the heart of the forest on June 26.

His appearance at Cannock is part of the Forestry Commission’s Live Music summer tour. The former Jam and Style Council frontman performed to sell-out crowds at Sherwood Forest in 2004. Alistair Semple, from the Forestry Commission told the Express & Star he was hoping Paul Weller would bring in a good crowd.

He said: “There is already a buzz in the office here at Birches Valley. Every year the concerts have got better and better and the feedback from the audience on the facilities and the venue itself is excellent.”

Tickets priced at £33.00 will go on sale from 9am on Friday on 01842 814612 or on-line from the website at www.forestry.gov.uk/music Tickets purchased over the counter from Birches Valley Forest Centre near Rugeley will avoid a booking fee.

The Forestry Commission tour is self-sustaining and pays for itself providing valuable revenue to plough back into the woodland in a variety of environmental and social projects.

Last year saw rockers Status Quo, The Zutons and The Charlatans attract thousands to Cannock Forest. The concerts began in 2006 with performances by UB40 and Embrace before being extended to include a third act.