VISITORS are invited to solve age-old crimes, learn traditional skills and Home Guard drills and join in with homecoming celebrations as an open air museum stages a summer of fun.

Beamish, near Stanley, will stage a host of hands-on activities daily from Saturday.

During Mystery Mondays, visitors can take part in a Joe the Quilter Murder Mystery, before taking a trip to The 1900s Town to help the police constable solve a crime.

On 50s Fridays they can take a look around the 1950s front room at No. 6 Ravensworth Terrace in The 1900s Town and take part in Home Guard drills at The 1940s Farm during Soldiering Saturdays.

In addition to the full programme of events, visitors can pick up a free Beamish Bingo card from the entrance and search for 10 items around the museum, answering questions and learning as they go.

Jonathan Blackburn, engagement and participation assistant at Beamish Museum, said “We’re looking forward to a jam-packed Summer of Fun with something different happening across the museum every day of the week.”

There is a packed schedule of events at the new welfare hall and the chance to visit the NHS Mother and Baby Clinic on Thursdays to find out more about bringing up a baby in the 1950s.

All daytime events are included in museum admission and are free to Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members – pay once and visit for free for a whole year.