FINDING fairies and spotting Spike the Scarecrow will help lead youngsters on a trail of discovery through the Riverside Gardens at Webbs of Wychbold during half-term week.

Children and their parents are being encouraged to banish boredom in the school holidays and head for the garden centre, near Droitwich.

Youngsters can follow a free trail through the beautiful gardens alongside the River Salwarpe with the added enticement of a special goodie bag prize at the journey's end.

"There's lots of surprising things in the gardens for the children to look out for," said Webbs managing director Ed Webb.

"Around each corner there is something special, from Spike the Scarecrow keeping the birds away from the vegetable garden, to hidden fairy sculptures peeking through the plants."

Half-term visitors can also enjoy watching balloon modellers and have their faces painted.

The activities run from Tuesday, May 31, to Friday, June 3.

The riverside trails are open all day and the balloon magic and face painters will be on hand from 1pm-4pm each day.