NATURE-LOVERS will have the chance to learn about east Durham’s award-winning coastline at a special event this weekend.

Crimdon Dene will be playing host to free a family fun day on Sunday in celebration of Low Tide Day.

The national event takes place every May during the weekend of the lowest tide and aims to encourage people to take more interest in their local coastal areas.

Visitors to Crimdon will be able to expand their knowledge about local wildlife and try their hand at a variety of environmentally themed arts and crafts.

Louise Harrington, Durham County Council Coast and Countryside Ranger, said: "Low Tide Day gives us the chance to celebrate and explore our coastline at a time when there is the most to see.

"We’ll be encouraging people to have a look around the beach and see what they can find, from living creatures to rocks and shells.

"There’ll also be an opportunity to learn about other local wildlife, including our internationally significant colony of little terns."

The event, which runs from 11am to 3pm, has been organised by Durham Heritage Coast, the National Trust, Natural England, and Coast and Countryside Rangers from both the county council and Hartlepool Borough Council.

Visitors will be able to explore the beach and rock pools with the help of an expert guide and watch the little terns from a purpose-built hide.

Other activities will include face painting, badge making, pebble painting and the chance to make a colourful fish from felt and other materials. And there will also be the opportunity for visitors to find out how they can get involved in helping to maintain the east Durham coastline.

For more information about the event contact Durham County Council on 0191-383 3351 or 0191-527 4507.