FANCY spending a day at Paignton Zoo with the keepers or playing cricket with a former Somerset and England cricketer?

Youngsters will get a chance to do this during the October half-term at Queen's College where workshops are being held for children in the area.

The first masterclass is Zoology for children aged between seven and 12 years.

This will run from Monday October 26 to Thursday October 29 and will combine learning with fun activities.

The four-day course will include close encounters with various birds of prey, reptiles, spiders, bats and hedgehogs culminating in an African Animal day at Paignton Zoo with the keepers.

Part of each day will involve sessions in the laboratories studying exoskeletons, pellets and hair under the microscopes, as well as learning about the animals and their habitats and the dangers they face from other predators and environmental changes.

For those with an interest in cricket, former Somerset and England cricketer, Mark Davis, will be leading a series of one to one coaching sessions for children aged between seven and 16 years.

Mark played alongside Ian Botham, Joel Garner, Viv Richards and Martin Crowe and went on to coach budding professional and international cricketers including Craig Kieswetter, Kieran Powell, James Hildreth and Max Waller to name a few.

The hour-long sessions will run throughout the week from Monday October 26 to Friday October 30.

They will be tailored to suit the participant’s ability, focusing on batting, bowling and fielding skills.

“These exciting and fulfilling opportunities are open to all children in the region. The aim is provide quality courses with a difference” said organiser, Jan de Caux.

For further details or to book, contact Jan on 01823-340880 or visit bookings.queenscollege.org.uk