THE Lowry should be in a class of its own when the schools break up for half term.

A variety of activities for all the family is planned at The Lowry throughout February, ranging from shows to appeal to young and old, through to allowing youngsters to discover their creativity in workshops in the Galleries.

Blunderbus Children's Theatre Company begins the programme of children's entertainment with the staging of The Tin Forest, a modern fairytale. The show runs at 11am and 2pm.

Alan Ayckbourn's play The Boy Who Fell Into A Book is perfect for youngsters aged six and over.

It runs from February 18 to 22, and will be staged by the English Touring Theatre and Warwick Arts Centre production. Kevin is into his favourite book in a "BIG" way, particularly when he suddenly finds himself in the thick of the action alongside his hero, the streetwise private investigator Rockfist Slim.

They must travel through all the books on Kevin's bookshelf to find a way home. Their headlong dash takes them through Grimm's Fairy Tales, Kidnapped, a book of Ghost Stories and even Chess for Beginners.

This is all served up with typical Ayckbourn magic and lashings of imagination and will be shown 7pm evenings, and at 2pm Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

And the entertainment does not stop in the theatre. The Lowry galleries will host free interactive family activities including a giant Lowry jigsaw puzzle.

Free family trails are also available in the galleries.

Fun workshops will include the Drama Zone: Get Into Books! from February 17 to 20, 2pm to 3.30pm. Youngsters are invited to bring their favourite stories and books to life using games and drama. Tickets are £3.

The Lowry's Playhouse will including activities for families with children aged five to 11 years, every Saturday 11am to 12.30pm, each week with a different programme of events.

Further details and tickets for all activities are from the box office on 0870 111 2000.