BUDDING Bob the Builders enjoyed a DIY class just for children at Bolton's B&Q store.

Teams of children wore their orange aprons with pride as they learned how to build and paint their own bird box, under the watchful eyes of a B&Q DIY expert.

Parents could enjoy looking round the store in peace between 10am and noon, knowing their children were in safe hands.

The youngsters, aged six to 10, were treated to free sweets and pop during the class and were allowed to take the aprons and the bird boxes home.

Tracey Lowe, of Crompton Fold, who helps out with the club and has a six-year-old son, Tom, praised the DIY class. She said: "It is a fantastic idea. Tom loves it and always really looks forward to coming."

Leah Ward, aged eight, a pupil at St Andrew's, Bolton, said: "I have been before and it is a lot of fun."

The free classes are being held in every B&Q Warehouse across the UK during the half term break and are expected to draw up to 2,000 youngsters.

Ian Morrice, managing director of B&Q Warehouse, said: "We want to teach homeowners of the future some basic DIY skills and make it fun at the same time. As a bonus, it will help keep the kids entertained over the half term holiday."

Bolton B&Q employee, William Bromilow, who organised the class, said: "The parents and children love it."

The children's workshops will run every weekday over the school half term. Children who take part and are accompanied by a parent or guardian will not only have a bird box to take home, but some other goodies too.