The school summer holidays are approaching and Pets at Home is offering a series of fun, free, interactive pet workshops to help keep children entertained at its stores across Cumbria.

The chain, which has branched in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith and Workington, will hold the My Pet Pals workshops full of hand-on activities to teach the next generation of pet owners about how to keep pets safe, happy and healthy.

They are aimed at children aged five to 11.

Youngsters can expect to find out about pets with interactive games and ‘meet and greet’ sessions with the stores' friendly creatures.

Catherine Gash, store manager in Penrith, said: “Our My Pet Pals workshops are a fun way to give young animal lovers the chance to learn the importance of pet welfare.

"The workshops are hosted by our friendly and knowledgeable pet care advisors, who are on hand to ensure future pet owners are fully equipped with everything they need to know about owning a pet.”

After the workshops, children will be invited to enter the My Pet Pals Summer Challenges Competition by completing an activity book made up of exciting tasks to be completed over the summer for the chance to win a prize.

The workshops will teach children how to keep pets cool over the warm summer months, as well as how to become the best fish owners they can be.

The workshops last approximately 30 minutes and take place every day during the summer holidays at 11.30am.

To find out more and book a workshop, visit petsathome.com/petworkshops