CHILDREN can enjoy tales of circuses and outer space – and make a little mischief – at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word this summer.

The South Shields venue is opening up its StoryWorld for school holiday sessions for the under sevens and their families throughout August.

And not only will youngsters be able to listen to stories, but they will also be able to immerse themselves in the pictures as images from the tales are projected onto the walls around them.

The fun will begin on Friday, August 3, with Mischief Makers, at 10.30am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm.

Mischief Makers is the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, celebrating 80 years since the first publication of the Beano comics - home to the ultimate mischief maker, Dennis the Menace.

The Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries and, along with tales of daring and brave mischief makers, children will be able to join in with songs and take part in themed activities.

On Friday, August 17, young visitors will blast off into outer space with tales of stars, planets and aliens with songs and activities.

Then, on Friday, August 31, youngsters are invited to roll up, roll up for a day of circus stories and themed crafts.

“StoryWorld is an absolutely brilliant space,” said Tania Robinson, Head of Marketing and Culture at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, “because it is fully immersive.

“Children don’t just listen to the story, they see it illustrated in giant projections on walls all around them, so it really enables them to get lost in a literary world.”

n Storyworld sessions will take place on Friday, August 3, 17 and 31 at 10.30am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm and must be booked in advance. Each session costs £3.50 child/ £2.50 adult / £10.50 family of 4/ under 12 months £1 to be paid at the shop on the day/ £25 group ticket (10x tickets). To book visit www.theworduk.org or visit the venue’s shop, Shop @ The Word. For more information about The Word, call 0191 427 1818 email enquiries@theworduk.org or visit www.theworduk.org.