A WEALTH of family activities will be on offer in various Darlington venues during the February half-term holidays.

Child-friendly fun begins on Monday, February 18, with active youngsters invited to join a football camp and other sporty games at the Eastbourne Sports Complex between 10am and 3pm daily throughout the week.

The complex will also host a Move More Mash Up on Friday, between 10am and 3pm.

Alternatively, families looking to splash around can join the Dolphin Centre pool party, also on Friday, from noon until 5pm.

Magic will also come to the street of Darlington with award-winning magician Graeme Shaw on Tuesday, February 19. His performance, provided by Darlington Libraries, will take place in the Cornmill Shopping Centre between 11am and 1pm, following by another free magic show in the Dolphin Centre between 1.15pm and 3pm.

The town's libraries will also host a swashbuckling spectacular on Wednesday, as Captain Raggy Beard's Pirate Adventure invades Crown Street Library between 10.30am and 11.30am.

The adventure continues between 1.30pm and 2.30pm in Cockerton Library. The event is recommended for children aged four to eight and entry is £4 per child with tickets to be booked in advance.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, local environment and transport, said: “Half term is an exciting time for everyone, and Darlington offers a wealth of things to get excited about.

“Local groups are working hard to make sure there are plenty of things to do throughout the week.” .

The Head of Steam railway museum is set to host a number of events from Wednesday, starting with the Animal Story between 11am and 3.30pm which offers children the chance to get up close to various creatures including geckos and snakes.

Booking is required and participation is included in admission and family passes.

The museum will hold its usual Station Scamps event on Friday, 10am until 12.30pm.

The Block Party team will create vehicles using 30,000 Lego bricks to race down a custom ramp at the Head of Steam, off Station Road, on Thursday, February 21, between 11am and 2.30pm. Entry must be booked in advance.

Aspiring scientists can take part in impressive experiments, including a Slime and Bathbomb Making workshop, in Darlington Libraries’ Cool Science at the Indoor Market on Thursday from 11am until 1pm.