WITH the start of the school summer holidays around the corner, parents looking for some creative ways to keep their children entertained need look no further than the Artsreach summer programme of activities, which runs from the July 26 to 30 August.

Artsreach spokesman Kerry Bartlett said the 2019 programme was inspired by The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris.

"The book uses the magic of words and imagery to revive our love of nature. From arts and crafts to music, theatre, outdoor adventures, storytelling and more, there is something for everyone!"

Five highlights of the 2019 programme:

1. Dorset Forest Schools will host a range of outdoor adventure workshops with activities including making leaf-print bunting, natural painting and copper jewellery design, to willow-weaving and games at various venues including Milborne St Andrew and The Kingcombe Centre in Toller Porcorum.

2. Parents and children can take part in an interactive session of making music, dressing up, singing songs and creating stories together as Treehouse Theatre return with Storybox in Sturminster Newton and Milborne St Andrew.

3 Budding artists have plenty to turn their hands to, with Abigail Thommes Graffiti Experience, designing and painting new tags with black paint at Sturminster Newton Exchange.

4. Animated with live music and song, Martin Maudsley leads a lively storytelling performance featuring traditional folktales and legends about plants and animals, followed by a creative craft workshop in The Lost Stories at Charmouth and Gillingham.

5. Squashbox Theatre will host a Curious Creatures Wildlife Park to uncover the mysteries of the animal kingdom in a new show at Blandford and Martinstown. Expect puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy. A post show puppet-making workshop is also available.

* Please note that advanced booking is recommended. Full details on all of the events above, including recommended ages, times, contact numbers and prices, can be found in the Artsreach Summer Activities programme which is available at tourist information centres and libraries or visit artsreach.co.uk