PARENTS and children in East Lancashire are being offered a free passport to the world of learning.

Throughout October there will be a series of events aimed at developing children's taste for education.

And Lancashire County Council has produced a Family Passport to Learning and Fun which lists more than 100 events, many of which are free.

Planned activities include bat-box making, a fungal forage, polishing armour and a visit to a Victorian kitchen.

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for community, information and lifelong learning, explained: "Lancashire is home to some fantastic libraries, museums and country parks and this passport gives parents and children access to a whole host of great events.

"We know the importance of children learning with their families, and this event adds value to what pupils learn in school and opens the door on a range of new activities and interests."

You can pick up a free copy of the passport by calling in any East Lancashire library or county information centre. You can also find out more about the

passport events by visiting the web site www.lancs4families.co.uk

The passport itself is in the running for a Local Government Chronicle Award for Excellence.