TWO assistants at Sidmouth Library are encouraging children to put their artistic talents to work while visiting the library on a Saturday afternoon with parents.

TWO assistants at Sidmouth Library are encouraging children to put their artistic talents to work while visiting the library on a Saturday afternoon with parents.

Sandra Andrews and Laura Killington work together five hours on the Saturday afternoon shift and run Arty Crafty, a 30-minute arts and crafts session between 2.30pm and 3pm.

"The idea is to bring more children into the library on a Saturday afternoon," said Laura, who, like Sandra, lives in the Woodbury area.

In the few months Arty Crafty has been running quite a few children, aged between six and 11, have enjoyed making door hangings, mobiles, horse cards, card constructions and snow scenes using glue, paint and glitter as well as crayons.

"The sessions are free and children can just come in as they want," said Laura. "It is fun and they can come and make a mess here and not at home."

Sandra said families were joining in while youngsters took part in the sessions held in the children's section of the library.