A VISITOR attraction is having puddle-jumping competition over the half term holidays.

Children are being urged to pull on their wellies and head to the Washington Wetland Centre for a splashing time.

The bird sanctuary is hosting the North-East Puddle Jumping Championships when the schools break up next Friday.

Centre spokesman Leanne McCormella said: “We know that children, and big kids, love nothing more than to splash about in puddles, so we’re giving them the chance to channel their inner splasher while competing to become the North-East Puddle Jumping Champion in a friendly competition.

“We also know that children who love puddles often grow up to be adults that love the outdoors, so through the ‘Big Splash’ we’re gently nurturing a love that may help protect wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them for years to come.”

As well as the main puddle jumping competition area, there will be a practice zone set up to help entrants perfect their splashing techniques ahead of their big moment.

Visitors will compete across the half-term week and every contestant will receive a sticker to acknowledge their puddle jumping skills.

Daily winners will be announced immediately following each day’s competition and the lucky ‘super-splashers’ will receive a fantastic water-themed prize.

And at the end of the week, the North East regional champion will be selected from WWT Washington’s daily winners to go up against those from WWT’s eight other UK wetland centres and then the Big Splash ultimate winner will be crowned.