Children are invited to get creative this summer with a jam-packed activity program launched by Richmond Council.

Inspired by the new Stables Gallery exhibition, Picture Play, Orleans House Gallery, is hosting a summer program, which is suitable for children and young people of all ages and abilities and will feature a wide-range of summer schemes and activities, throughout July and August.

Over a four week period, young people will be able to attend workshops focusing on the themes of Animation, Toys & Games and the exciting stories and characters of Orleans House.

Cllr David Linnette, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Arts, said: “Richmond Council is pleased to launch the 2017 children and young people’s Arts summer activity programme.

"It can sometimes be difficult for parents to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays especially if the weather is poor. This programme offers a wide selection of activities. The programme has been designed to help keep children and young people entertained throughout the summer holidays while they develop their creative skills, make new friends and have fun.”

Workshops give children and their families the opportunity to work with professional artists at Orleans House Gallery and create flick books, shadow puppets, moving pictures, clay characters, recycled boats, tote bags and take part in drama workshops.

There will also be the opportunity to take part in a new arts award, called Discover, which is open to children and young people, aged up to 25 years.

To gain an award certificate, participants will need to discover the arts around them, find out about artists and their work and share their experiences with others.