WORCESTERSHIRE County Museum, based at Hartlebury Castle, has reopened for its 40th season.

The tourist attraction welcomed back visitors on Wednesday, February 1 after its winter break and building work, which is expected to take 22 weeks, is due to begin on a new glass lift.

Family activities have been planned for half-term week and will run from Tuesday until Friday.

On Tuesday, the workshops will be on puppet making, origami and carnival masks and on Wednesday, February 15, they will be on festival lanterns, clay work, peg dolls and celebration hats.

Activities on Thursday include origami dragons, peg dolls, clay work and carnival masks and birds and on the Friday children can enjoy peg dolls, clay work and music making.

The craft workshops will be held during two sessions a day.

The first is from 10.30am until 1pm and the second is from 2pm until 4.30pm.

During an hour-long break children will be able to play with the traditional toys and games.

Admission prices have been reduced while the building work is being completed. Disruption and gallery closures will be kept to a minimum for the duration of the work.

For further information contact 01299 250416.

l Meanwhile arty children can have a go at a half-term colouring competition at Kidderminster Library.

It is based on the popular book character, Maisy, the mouse created by Lucy Cousins. Children aged seven and under are invited to colour in a picture of the popular character.

They will also have to colour in a selection of clothes and cut them out and stick them to their picture.

Colouring sheets are available from the library. Prizes will be Maisy Art cases and the closing date is Saturday, February 25. For details contact the library on 01562 824500.