BASINGSTOKE town centre is gearing up for a week packed with free activities for children, with a mix of traditional games, crafts and sports sessions on offer.

From August 13 to August 16, Love Basingstoke’s Fri-YAY programme returns, offering children aged three to 16 the chance to try new things.

This year, events will extend beyond the town centre to locations around the borough.

Kicking off on Tuesday at Brighton Hill Park, traditional games including beat the goalie and giant kerplunk are on offer from 11am to 3pm. Other attractions include face painting with Routine Riots.

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On Thursday at Bishops Green Village Hall, six to 16-year-olds can take part in parkour workshops run by PFT Academy from 11am to 3pm.

These sessions require pre-booking due to limited spaces.

Also, Maximum Play will host a roleplay village where children can try their hands at building in a construction zone or making desserts.

On Friday, ex-world champion Terry Price will show off his scooter skills and host coaching workshops in the town's Market Place. Pre-booking of these workshops is necessary.

Other activities include a recycling make-and-take class run by Junk Jodie, a pop-up from the Roger Morris Centre, and sessions with Urban Sketchers.

There will be additional sports activities provided by Basingstoke Bounty Squash and Racketball Club, Basingstoke North Hants Cricket Club and a bouncy castle situated at Basingstoke Sports and Social Club on Fairfield Road.

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At War Memorial Park, Basingstoke Voluntary Action will hold a special gnome trail designed to reconnect visitors with nature, with maps available from The Orchard between 11am and 2pm.

All Fri-YAY activities run between 11am and 3pm and are free.

Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture councillor Kerry Morrow said: "The Fri-YAY and Summer Fun programmes offer so much for children this summer, both in Basingstoke town centre and in communities across the borough. From Parkour and scootering to arts and crafts and face painting, children will be sure to find something new to try while getting outdoors this summer.

"We hope the summer holidays will be full of sunshine but we would encourage everyone to check Love Basingstoke’s social media channels for any last-minute changes."