A LEISURE centre is offering classes to help young people prepare for the Christmas season.

The Rainbow Leisure Centre, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, is holding arts and crafts workshops where children can make cards, decorations and presents.

Classes will be held from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Friday, and on Friday, December 15, and from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22.

Sessions cost £1.40 and are suitable for children aged between six and 11. Four to five-year-olds can take part but must be supervised by an adult.

The centre is also holding parties, which are suitable for children from three to eight, though under-fours must be accompanied by an adult, from 10am to 12.30pm and from 1pm to 3pm, on Christmas Eve.

There will be an inflatable maze, two bouncy castles and soft play as well as games, a disco, a goody bag and a visit from Santa.

Tickets, which are available from the centre for each party, cost £3.50 per child