CHILDREN can enjoy free days out at a North-East museum.

Youngsters who visit a family fun day at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Tuesday, October 28, can get free entry if they join the Merlin kids club.

Annual membership, open to children aged between five and 12, includes a goodie bag, newsletters, competitions, free entry and invitations to Merlin events.

Catherine Bruce, event organiser, said: "A great day should be had by all."

The theme for the fun day is "be a collector", which is inspired by the Tim Rice collection, which is currently being displayed at the museum.

Youngsters can have a go at being a collector and will be able to make a curiosity box and exhibition model to display in their collections.

The day is also part of a national event called The Big Draw, and Darlington illustrator and author Liz Million will be hosting a series of workshops where children can design illustrations.

Youngsters will also be taken on a tour of the museum.

Activities are being held between 11am and 4pm and annual membership to Merlins is £6. A family ticket for the fun day is £15.

For more information on the event, call (01833) 690606.