DORSET'S arts scene has come up trumps again and is preparing to keep the county's more rural youngsters entertained over the long summer break with a remarkable variety of creative events and activities.

The Summer Supplement, which has been running and expanding for the past four years, offers six weeks of fun with workshops and classes devised to fuel the imagination and enthusiasm of the youngest members of the family.

No previous experience is needed and all you require to make the most of the sessions available is advance booking - this is recommended as the Summer Supplement has become increasingly popular - old clothes and a packed lunch if you are attending all-day events.

Artsreach spokeswoman Angie Green explained: "The wonderful thing about the classes is that the ideas of a lot of them can be taken away and worked on at a later date, giving the children something to do throughout the summer rather than just on one day.

"A lot of families only have one car and if the breadwinner has used that to get to work, then it makes it hard for the rest of the family to get around so the children might get bored.

"By taking these events to the communities, we are solving that problem.

"All the events are high quality and very creative and good value for money," Angie continued.

"The prices are competitive and lower than at most art centres. There are also good family discounts and it keeps the children entertained for a day."

The events start on Sunday, July 21, with circus skills and clowning workshops in Yetminster scout hut.

This evergreen favourite is repeated in Winterbourne Whitechurch on July 30, Thornford on August 7 and Toller Porcorum on August 28.

Other events include stained glass creation, Tea with Bilbo Baggins, a day with The Tweenies, an exploration of the Wild West, puppet making, tie-dying and drama.

Lal Hitchcock will be on hand to demonstrate the myriad uses of household junk such as cereal packets and broken toys, Nikki Northover is holding Fun Factory Workshops with marine and space themes and you can also get musical with dinosaurs and make your own mosaic mirrors with Clare Lewis.

The Canned Performance Company is also playing a large role in events, with a number of appearances such as Calypso Music at Wootton Fitzpaine (July 31), Witches and Wizards at Anstey (August 2) and Chetnole (August 14), Splash water music at Chetnole (August 14) and an astounding space project at Yetminster on September 1.

Trading Faces is also teaming up with Forest Forge Theatre to help you create masks and drama with fun mixed in.

The workshops are all aimed at different age groups, the youngest being three-year-olds. Further details will appear on the Arts page nearer the time.

For full details, pick up a Summer Supplement brochure from Artsreach, The Little Keep, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1SQ, or call (01305) 269512.