Scary stories and high-tech crafts set to delight youngsters in South Shields this Halloween

The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, is treating children of all ages to a range of thrilling activities during half term week.

Youngsters can expect everything from traditional storytelling sessions to laser cutting at the centre, with sessions running from Monday, October 22, to Thursday, October 25.

Children can make Halloween inspired arts and crafts between 10am and 11am and 2.30pm and 3.30pm for just £1 per child, while on Wednesday, October 24, the under sevens can enjoy an storytelling experience.

At 10.30am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm, friendly ghosts will come alive before their eyes as they are projected onto the walls in the venue’s unique StoryWorld.

They can listen to tales of tricks and treats, take part in crafts and spooky games and even go dressed as their favourite Halloween monster.

There is also a one-off session on Halloween itself, Wednesday, October 31, at 4.30pm.

On Thursday, October 25, visitors aged between nine and 14 can make their own, bespoke Halloween t-shirts to wear when they go trick or treating, using state of the art laser cutting techniques to create unique designs.

And on Friday, October 26, from 10am to midday and 1.30pm to 3.30pm, The Canny Kitchen returns to The Word to cook up a fright.

Children can help cook and decorate, then taste, a range of spooky Halloween dishes, cakes and biscuits and take part in themed activities.

More laser cutting fun is on offer at FabLab@The Word, on Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, with sessions giving youngsters the chance to make their own 3D monster-related keyrings and coasters.

Then, on Sunday, October 28, they can actually come face to face with a prehistoric monster.

For one day only, visitors to the venue will get the chance to meet REX – an 8ft tall, 12ft long, walking, talking, roaring animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex - get involved in a range of crafts, listen to stories and attend an interactive show all about the pre-historic creatures.

Tania Robinson, head of marketing and culture at The Word, said: “Monsters has been a key theme at The Word this year.

"Ever since we launched our hugely successful Monsters! Exhibition.

“And we will be continuing the theme right through half term and in the run up to Halloween with spooks and stories to thrill children of all ages.”

For more information or to book tickets for the half term events visit www.theworduk.org