CHILDREN got covered in glitter and glue as they took on a crafty challenge at Colchester Library.

Dozens of kids had fun using recycled materials such as toilet rolls, pipe cleaners and plastic bottles and decorating them to make their own creations.

They were asked to give the recycled items a new lease of life by using their favourite stories from the books around the library as inspiration.

Hungry caterpillars were a favourite of the morning, with milk bottles also being transformed into Elmer the colourful elephant.

The children, who were joined by their mums and dads, also got out the pens and pencils to try their hand at a bit of colouring in and drawing.

Colchester zone wardens arranged the free event at Colchester Library to keep children under the age of five entertained for an afternoon.

It was organised by zone warden Carys Morgan, who said the children also made a space rocket.

She said: “The events provide a creative environment for both children and adults to learn about the importance of recycling waste materials, as well as providing an opportunity for members of the zone teams to engage with residents.”

Future events will be advertised at visitcolchester.com and also take place at the library or Castle Park.