DARLINGTON town centre will be transformed into a hive of activity and fun this week, as a popular cycling safety festival returns.

The annual Mega Festival will be in the market square on Wednesday and Thursday (August 26 and 27).

It will feature a variety of free activities, including children's learn to ride sessions, scooter safety skills, family cycle try outs, a guided walk, the Watt Bike challenge and a pedal powered smoothie maker.

It will run from 11am to 4pm each day and free bike security marking will also be on offer.

The schedule for each day is as follows:

* Learn to Ride sessions at 11.15am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm on both days – call 01325405-040 to book;

* Scooter safety skills at 3.15pm each day;

* Bike security marking – bring your bike down;

* Guided Heritage walk on Wednesday at 12.30pm, the 90-minute walk will start at the sculpture outside Town Hall;

* Smoothie bike and Watt bikes;

* Pedal-powered Scalextric racing;

* Family cycling try-outs at 2.15pm each day;

* Craft, fun and games for all the family.

The event has grown considerably since starting out as a small cycling festival in 2006.

The aim of the festival, organised by Local Motion and Darlington Borough Council, is to promote the benefits of an active community.

Sue Dobson, Local Motion Manager said: "The Mega Festival has always been a great success, giving visitors the opportunity to have fun while trying new ways of getting active.

"This year we have activities on offer which could really impact the way our children and families choose to travel on a daily basis.

"We have scooter safety skills and learn to ride sessions which should both give children and their parents more confidence when choosing to cycle or scoot to school.

"In addition we will have a selection of bike add-ons such as tag-alongs, trailers and bike seats for parents to trial; with the hope that cycling will then be an obvious transport choice even when travelling with young children."

For more information, visit dothelocalmotion.co.uk