CHILDREN made zoetropes, the forerunner of cartoons and films, as part of a Victorian Country Childhood exhibition this week.

Kirkleatham Hall Museum, at Redcar, has organised free drop-in craft sessions during the Easter holidays.

Nearly 100 children went to the museum to make zoetropes. They are made from a cylinder with a series of pictures on the inner surface which, when viewed through slits with the cylinder rotating, give an impression of motion.

Outrearch education development officer Liz Vine, who organised the event, said: "It was originally a toy for adults, but the children really enjoyed themselves yesterday and the day was well attended."

Further activities, run in conjunction with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's adult education service, are running over Easter.

Places are limited and must be booked.

Today, 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm: book a place for a Victorian-themed activity with Kim Jackson, of the adult education service.

Easter Monday: Drop in between 10am and 4pm for an Easter Egg hunt.

Tuesday: 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, drop-in sessions to make whizgigs, first invented to show children simple scientific ideas of colour and light.

Next Thursday, 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm, book a place for a family activity making a Victorian Easter card.

For details, call the museum on (01642) 479500.