FOUR imaginative productions will keep young minds enthralled over the Easter holidays in Blackburn and Darwen.

Theatre companies from across the country have been drafted in to spark imaginations at Blackburn and Darwen's markets.

Bread and Butter Theatre will be bringing Herdwick sheep Heidi and Henrietta to Blackburn Market on April 3 and Darwen Market on April 5, arriving from the Lakeland Fells to proudly show off their quintuplets.

Then an eco-themed show comes via Mind The Gap, when Homie meets Birdie, a new friend struggling to cope with plastics and pollution.

The production will be at Darwen Market Square on April 12 and Church Street in Blackburn the following day.

Two further ticketed shows will be staged at the boroughs libraries via the Spot On Lancashire touring theatre initiative.

Pants! is from Coalesce Dance Theatre and is a coming-of-age story focusing on a 'weird and wonderful wardrobe world', evoking childhood memories. This also includes a tote-bag making workshop and will be at Darwen Library on March 27 and Blackburn Central Library on March 28.

Takeshi Matsumoto is also bringing Club Origami, an interactive dance show, to Blackburn Central Library on April 11. Tickets are £5 for both Spot On activities, bookable by phone or at the library counter.

Elsewhere the borough's markets is the place to be for creative types.

A markets spokesman said: "We’ve got a jam-packed schedule this Easter at Blackburn Market and Darwen Market, lots of fun and free activities for all the family to enjoy."

"Most activities run between 11am and 3pm but please check individual listings for full details."

The markets programme runs in tandem with a full programme at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery for the holidays.

Samina Hussain is leading henna painting classes at the museum on Wednesday, April 3, and Saturday, April 6.And Ian Halawi will be on hand to share tips on postcard printing on Friday, April 5, in Blackburn Market and Monday, April 8, in Darwen Market

Earth Art is the theme for markets artist Winston Plowes on April 3 and 10, in Darwen and Blackburn respective, while Rawan Ulhaq will host Arabic calligraphy sessions on April 4 at the museum.

For those wanting to learn more about creative cardboard games, Sarah Grant is on hand at Darwen Market on April 6 and Blackburn Market on April 8.

And crocheting bright blooms comes courtesy of Helen Davies at Blackburn Market on April 6 and Darwen Market on April 10.

Or if abstract floral painting is your thing, join Natasha Lynch at Blackburn Market on April 12 or Darwen Market on April 13.

Free workshops are also running at the museum from April 10 to 12 from noon to 3pm.