An estimated 1,000 children in the region will be celebrating National Playday next week.

A fun-packed day of outdoor activities is promised at Redesdale Court, Trimdon Grange, County Durham, on Wednesday.

The theme for the event is Get Out and Play and is aimed at promoting the health and happiness of youngsters taking part.

There will be activities ranging from fair rides, arts workshops, bouncy castles, balloon modelling, disco music and circus skills.

Other events include environmental health workshops, a toddlers' walk and displays from police, fire and rescue and Sedgefield Community Rangers.

Trimdon's Lucy Hovvels, chairman of the National Playday Steering Committee, said: "We are encouraging parents to let their children get out and play so they can develop physical and social skills - and enjoy themselves."

Playday is backed by football personality Gary Lineker, Blue Peter presenter Liz Barker and Newsround presenters Laura Jones and Ellie Crisell.

Nationally, more than 100,000 children are expected to attend events.

National Playday is co-ordinated by The Children's Society and the Children's Play Council, and is supported this year by the Lego Company.

Children's Society spokesman Tim Linehan said: "Playing outdoors is a fundamental part of everyone's childhood, but that is being threatened by a culture of intolerance towards children's play in public.

"We are in danger of letting grumpy grown ups tidy our children away."