CHILDREN started off the summer holidays with some monkeying around at Hollytrees Museum.

Colchester Council had organised the arty event in order to keep children busy during their long break.

The event involved making a glove monkey or ‘monster’.

Children stuffed a glove, sewed up the opening, and then added decoration to create a face.

There was a total of 19 children who attended one session, while other sessions were held throughout the day.

The event was inspired by some of the stuffed toys in the Hollytrees Childhood Gallery.

Tim Young (Lab), councillor responsible by culture and regeneration, said: “Hollytrees is one of the jewels in our crown – and no wonder when it inspires such curiosity and fun in young and old alike.

“It was delightful to see children so captivated making their own creatures from a variety of materials.

“There are lots of other inspiring activities to keep young people and families occupied this summer, with a range of hands-on events planned at Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum – a wonderful way to find out more about local and natural history all around us.”

To find out more about activities during the summer, visit the Colchester Council or Visit Colchester websites.