A military museum is encouraging people to take part in free art and craft workshops.

Fun events for all ages are on offer in a series of family workshops over Christmas at the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Durham Art Gallery.

Organised by museum staff, the workshops started at the weekend with a session on traditional "mummers' plays" and mask-making.

Families visiting the attraction, at Aykley Heads, in Durham, were urged to get into the Christmas spirit by designing character masks used in centuries-old traditional plays and carnivals.

Workshops continues today when visitors are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of DLI soldiers and make their own Christmas cards.

During the war years, soldiers in trenches created personalised cards to send home to their families and friends.

Stained glass is the theme tomorrow. Using card, tissue, and sticky tape, families can make colourful scenes or abstract compositions to hang against windows for a festive decoration.

There is the a chance to try "wild art" next Monday and Tuesday. Drawing inspiration from a wildlife photography exhibition, now on display in the complex's art gallery, parents and children can compose pictures of their own pets, or even a wild animal or mythical creature.

All workshops run from 1pm to 3pm, with places limited. Each session costs 50p in addition to the normal museum admission fee.

The museum opens free of charge on Boxing Day.

Further information is available on 0191-384 2214.

Published: 22/12/2003