CHARGES for the under-16s have been waived at one of the region's top attractions in a bid to attract more families.

Dr Anne Allen, audience development manager at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, said: "We think price is a determining factor for many families, particularly because most people visiting the museum have to consider travel costs as well as ticket prices."

The new pricing structure, which comes into effect tomorrow in time for the school holidays, means that a family of five containing two adults can have a day out for £10. Single parents are also catered for and can visit with up to three children for only £5, a saving of £7 on current prices. Free admission has also been extended to carers accompanying disabled visitors and to tour guides and organisers accompanying group visitors.

The museum staff are keen to encourage young people to see that galleries can be fun and have introduced a club for seven- to 12-year-olds. It is called Merlin's after the club's mascot, a streetwise cartoon swan based on the Bowes' famous silver swan automaton.

The club was set up in January and already has 70 members who receive free admission to family fun activities, a quarterly newsletter, regular correspondence from Merlin and a range of merchandise.

Merlin's members will also have the opportunity to determine how the museum should change to become more family friendly. Staff plan to involve members in judging designs and ideas for new galleries.

The Bowes already reduces prices for all visitors on the first Saturday of each month for its regular craft markets. The markets, which are on the same days as Barnard Castle's farmers' markets, are a popular draw for tourists and local residents, say organisers.

Receptionist Margaret Powell said: "We've begun to attract local farmers and villagers on those days. Many people come into town to shop on a Saturday and the special offer is an incentive for those who have not visited the museum for a while to come and have another look. They are often surprised to see that things have changed.