A WEEK of free fun activities for all age groups is on offer at half-term across the Heritage Coast of Sunderland, Durham and Hartlepool.

Reach for the Beach - an outdoor festival from Saturday May 27 - features a wide range of activities to help families make the most of the school holiday and to encourage more people to appreciate this beautiful coastline.

This is the second annual festival of its kind and over 30 organisations are involved in delivering more than 50 activities, at locations from Sunderland to North Gare, and both on and off-shore.

Activities include long and short guided walks, arts and crafts, bike rides, litter picks, kite making, opportunities to learn about geology and local wildlife, dog health checks and park fun days.

Among the new activities is the Easington Colliery Sea Glass Safari, which is an opportunity to find sea glass and create an illuminated keepsake with the help of artist, Stuart Langley.

There is a Toddle Round the Dene on International Children’s Day.

For more details visit www.heritagecoast@durham.gov.uk or get leaflets from community centres, libraries and shops.