CAPTAIN Barnacles is to head the list of family fun on offer during half-term at a railway museum.

The children’s character Captain Barnacles from the Octonauts is to appear at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon.

He will entertain visitors throughout the day on Wednesday (May 27).

A new indoor pre-school play area has opened at the museum featuring toys, books, puzzles and games.

The facility also has a giant Connect 4 game and it is open daily during opening hours.

Older youngsters can dress up in period costume daily at the site and a Meccano Magic event is on during opening hours tomorrow (Sunday, May 24) and Monday (May 25).

A free animal themed collage-making activity runs from Tuesday to Sunday, May 31, from 10am to 4.30pm, with the last admission 4pm.

Children can handle animals at the Animal Story on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, from 11am to 2pm.

Steam train rides can be taken, for a small charge, tomorrow and Monday.

The Holiday Station children’s club will run for children between eight-years and 11-years between Tuesday, May 26, and Friday, May 29, between 9am and noon and 1pm and 4pm.

Sessions cost £10 and they must be booked in advance by calling 01388-771439.

The museum is open daily between 10am and 5pm with free entry. All of the events, bar the holiday club and train rides, are free.