IT is home to some of the finest works of art in the country.

But young visitors to The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, were much more interested in Belinda, the blue-tongued skink, and Prince, the giant African bull frog.

The unusual creatures were part of a half term workshop, a joint venture between Darlington-based Jay's Animal Encounters and the museum's education department.

Snakes, spiders, scorpions and meerkats also kept the children enthralled.

Education co-ordinator Amy Bainbridge said the animal encounters workshop was one of a number of school holiday activities.

“We have also been painting bird feeders and celebrating Chinese year of the horse with hats, lanterns and fortune cookies.

“All the sessions have been fully booked and the feedback from families has been really good.

“I think our reputation is building – we have been getting a range of ages from one to 15 and 16.”

Next Thursday (February 27), a new weekly after-school club – The Bowes Museum Minis – will be launched for children aged four to seven years.

The one-hour sessions, from 3.45pm to 4.45pm, will give the youngsters a chance to explore the museum and then create artwork.

For details, contact Ms Bainbridge on 01833-694602.