THE next generation of animal lovers will learn how to care for birds at an upcoming event.

Parents are invited to take their children to a series of free wild bird workshops later this month.

The workshops, organised by the Darlington branch of Pets at Home, will teach youngsters how to care for local birds.

They will offer advice on helping birds throughout the colder months, what to feed them and how to behave around them as well as how to recognise species and attract them to their garden.

Pets at Home store manager Mark Deighton said: “It’s a great way for children to learn about the importance of being responsible for the wildlife around them whilst having fun.”

The workshops are taking place between Monday, January 23 and Sunday, January 29.

The workshops are being held to support the RSPB’s Big Garden Workshop, where people across the UK will count the birds in their gardens on Saturday, January 28 and Sunday, January 29.

For more information, visit petsathome.com/workshops.