Ref. 76105-30THERE was no time for TV for a group of children who were getting stuck into freaky fabrics at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

The group of 15 five to 11-year-olds tried their hands at making drawstring bags using unbleached calico. The event was part of the museum's on-going programme to encourage more children into Swindon's museums.

Based in the art gallery, the Freaky Fabrics workshop encouraged children to get creative with different materials. The children had a choice of fake fur, felt, hessian and netting to transform their bags and then added the finishing touches with buttons and ribbons.

Nicky Pardoe, the community heritage education officer, said these events are extremely popular with Swindon children and their parents.

She said: "It's fun for the children to take part. "But mums and dads like it as it gives the children something to do that has a point to it."