NEXT week may be the half-term holidays but parents needn't panic - there is plenty for your little ones to do across Gwent.

In Blaenau Gwent, a full programme of art and sporting entertainment has been laid on which kicks off with some sculpture art classes at Sirhowy Infants school on Monday and Tuesday next week (October 22 and 23).

Recycled materials will be put to use in Roseheyworth Millennium school in Abertillery later in the week on Thursday and Friday in banner-making classes. Both classes are free and take place between 10am and 4pm. They are for children aged seven and over, although younger children are welcome to participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

There will also be holiday playschemes in Abertillery, Ebbw Vale, Nantyglo and Tredegar leisure centres between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday. The cost is £2 (£1 for passtime holders) and includes lunch and buses to the centres.

There are also a host of council playschemes laid on by Newport city council next week. These will take place between 10am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday at Somerton Junior school, Ringland Community Centre, Pill Millennium Centre, Millbrook Community Centre in Bettws and the Beaufort Centre in St Julians.

For more details contact Newport city council's play officer on 01633 232752. At Cwmbran library storytime sessions have been arranged for five-to-ten-year-olds between 10.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday and Thursday (October 22 and 24). For more information contact the library on 01633 483240.

Punch and Judy will also be appearing at Cwmbran shopping on Tuesday (October 22) between 11am and 4pm.

Pooch lovers may be interested in seeing the poodle show at the Pontypool leisure centre between 9am and 5pm on Sunday (October 20). For more information contact the leisure centre on 01495 755764.

In Monmouthshire, there will be a family fun day at the Wyedean sports hall on Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Admission is £2.50 and activities will include nail painting, drum sessions, face painting, a bouncy castle and paint ball target shooting.

In Caerphilly borough there is plenty going on at the Cwmcarn Scenic Drive. Between Wednesday and Sunday of the half-term they will be having a number of wood carving and processing demonstrations which will culminate in a family fun day of activities and events between 12pm and 4pm on Sunday (October 27). For more details contact Cwmcarn Forest Drive on 01495 270010.

Llancaiach Fawr in Nelson is also hosting children's activities throughout half-term and for further details you can contact the haunted house on 01443 412248. Gareth Llewellyn