A FAMILY event hosted by Stroud's Museum in the Park promises to be a big draw at the weekend.

The annual Big Draw is back in town on both Saturday and Sunday and local artists will be reminding young and old alike how much fun drawing can be.

The creative extravaganza will include more than just drawing this year, as artists Shelley Campbell and Alison Cockcroft conjure up a touch of the Blue Peters by leading marvellous making messy activities encouraging visitors to make their own sculptures out of card, netting, tissue paper and paint drawing inspiration from the Lynn Chadwick sculptures already on display in the museum.

Stroud College students Nicola Hill and Tom Madden will be encouraging people to have a go at doodling with a materials ranging from the traditional pencil and crayons to giant charcoal-tipped drawing poles.

"We are very excited about this year's Big Draw event," said the museum's Jill Shonk. "We are really happy to be able to offer local families lots of free activities, so we hope people will drop in and join the fun."

Although activities are geared towards families with young children, anyone is welcome to take part, she added.

"The Big Draw is all about having a go and enjoying yourself, whether you are four or 40," she said. "No talent necessary."

The event is sponsored by washing powder giant Persil, which will be providing free goody bags for children who take part.

The Big Draw is an annual event which sees some 1,000 venues taking part across Britain.

The Stroud sessions will run between 11am and 1pm and 1.30pm and 4pm this Saturday and Sunday.