YOUNGSTERS were inspired at a morning of dinosaur themed fun at the Dorset County Museum.

Children with special needs and their siblings attended the Dinotastic event at the Dorchester museum’s Jurassic Gallery.

The session was part of the Artz+ and Sportz+ programmes of events for youngsters.

Museum staff treated the children to an exciting variety of dinosaur related activities involving clay fossils, puppets and a giant pliosaur skeleton cleverly crafted out of recycled cardboard tubes.

Artz+ co-ordinator Nichola Motley said those taking part had enjoyed the event and were so inspired by the museum’s ‘stimulating environment’ that many would be returning for another project at the venue later in the year.

She said: “The children loved being in such a stimulating environment where there was loads to look at and engage with.

“The museum is such an atmospheric place, it will provide the perfect back drop for the ‘Film in a Day’ event we have planned for the summer – tying in with an animal exhibition here.”

Nichola added: “I’m sure some of the children who came today will be inspired to come back as they had the chance to look round the museum as a whole during their break and equally we are always happy to see new faces.”

Artz+ and Sportz+ have been running holiday activities across Dorset for children with special needs and disabilities for the past nine years.

It has strived to offer high quality events in a friendly and safe environment where parents can leave their children in the care of support staff.

Artz+ and Sportz+ are run through West Dorset District Council with most of its funding coming through Dorset County Council’s short breaks transformation project.

For more information about what is on offer visit dorsetforyou.com/artz+ or call 01305 252250 for a programme.