PARENTS looking for ways to keep children entertained during the summer holidays are being encouraged to visit Darlington's town centre library.

The e-library, in Crown Street is inviting families to use its computer suite to find activities through the website www.parentsonline.gov.uk

The initiative is running until the end of the school holidays and will give parents a chance to obtain ideas for fun activities for youngsters in any weather.

Lynne Litchfield, acting libraries manager, said: "School gates closing for the summer may bring joy for the kids, but for many parents the long holidays mean weeks of trying to keep children happy and entertained.

"To give local families a helping hand, we have teamed up with Parents Online to ensure that there is a free, easy to use and dedicated resource that gives details of local activities to suit all tastes and budgets."

Parents and carers will be able to find information on online safety, details of the weather forecast and local outdoor activities on the Parents Online site.

The site also includes details of indoor activities, including craft ideas, and also offers the chance to win a family trip to Alton Towers with an overnight stay in one of their hotels.