A MONTH-long programme of family activities over the summer is to begin next week in Helston.

The CAST-Off series of events is to take place again, following the success of last year.

Taking place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, from August 3 to 28, events will be held between 10am and 12pm, and 2pm to 4pm on those days.

Led by artists, they will be outdoor creative activities for children and families, with no need to book.

This year there are two main bases for activities: the walled garden at Penrose and Ben's Den, in a little wood on the edge of town near the Bulwark estate.

Activities in the Penrose walled garden will include pigment making, metal casting, pinch pottery, clay construction, botanical exploration, wild weaving, sound walks and boat making among others.

In addition, Ben will be in the den on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10am and 4pm – follow signs from the Fairground car park.

For the other days of the week, artist Lucy Grant has designed a new activity map, with lots of things for children to do and discover in their own time.

You can pick the map up from next Tuesday onwards at the CAST Café in Penrose Road, at the Stables Café at Penrose, at Ben’s Den, and at artist-led sessions in the walled garden, where packs with sketchbooks and artist pencils will also be available.

The map has tasks to be completed and there will be special rubber stamps to collect from points around Penrose.

On the final Saturday, August 28, there will be small prizes in the walled garden for children who have completed lots of tasks on the map.

The team at CAST said: "We won’t be put off by a bit of drizzle and hope you won’t either, but please check the CAST website or CASTCornwall Facebook page on the day in case of extreme weather or last-minute changes.

"The activities and packs are offered free of charge, but we should be very grateful for donations to support this programme and future activities for children and young people."

The CAST-Off programme is supported by the Garcia Family Foundation, with help from Helston Town Council, Little Parc Owles Trust, FEAST and Falmouth University.