LEARNING doesn't necessarily need to be confined to the classroom.

And although most parents finished their schooling years ago, it doesn't mean that they can never learn something new.

During the annual Family Learning Weekend -- October 10-12 -- a host of events have been organised across the region, in which families are invited to get involved.

These range from samba dancing at family carnival workshops in Liverpool and learning about local history at the Harris Museum, in Preston to family-friendly tours of The Lowry, Salford.

Family Learning Weekend is organised by the Campaign for Learning to raise awareness of the important role that families can play in supporting learning and to create more family learning opportunities at home and in the community.

Alison Dickinson, Northern Family Learning Manager for Family Learning Weekend, said: "We want to get across the message that learning happens everywhere, involves everyone and, above all, can be great fun.

"Family Learning Weekend gives people the chance to spend time as a family having some fun with learning.

"We want to encourage families to make learning part of everyday life."

Families can find out more details of events happening in their area by looking at the website at www.familylearningweekend.com and clicking on 'events', or call freephone 0800 100 900.