LANCASHIRE-born Blue Peter star Barney Harwood will be bringing history to life with a card game contest in Rossendale on June 1.

Barney, who grew up in Blackpool, will be hosting a Top Trumps modern history tournament at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum — bringing fun to the places and faces of the period which saw the North West brought to life.

Kids aged seven to 11 can join the tournament, on a first come, first served basis, with 36 places up for grabs.

The tournament will be played using special edition Modern History Greats Top Trumps cards, which feature the award-winning Holcombe Road museum among the biggest and best inventions and legacies from the North West.

Barney said: “The Industrial Revolution was a time of noise, fire, explosions, adventure and innovation — exciting stuff that the brilliant museums and attractions in the North West really bring to life.

“There’s just so much history up here to find out about, and it’s great that kids can see not only what life was like back then but also how it affects the way we still live today.

“This tournament is a great place to start learning more and have some fun. I can’t wait to meet our winner and maybe even play a few games myself.”

Thirty one-year-old Barney, who played the boy who never grew up Peter Pan in pantomime in his hometown during Christmas 2009, made his name as a presenter on Channel 4 music show Planet Pop, before moving to the BBC where he hosted CBBC’s Sunday morning flagship show Smile.

His six series earned him a Best TV Presenter BAFTA.

The museum will also be hosting exciting live demonstrations, with the mighty waterwheel and textile treasures from famous inventors on show, and families can learn more about Lancashire’s unique role in the Industrial Revolution.

The lucky tournament winner will scoop a Top Trumps Tournament set, a goodie bag and an Xplorer family and friends multipass, giving access to museums, while everyone who takes part will get a set of the special edition Modern History Greats Top Trumps cards.

Lisa Houghton, from the Modern History programme, which promotes more than 100 leading North West industrial heritage attractions, added: “With all Helmshore Textile Mills Museum has to offer, plus the added excitement of Barney’s visit and the Top Trumps tournament, this promises to be a great day of half term fun for local families, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors new and old.”

* The Top Trumps Modern History tournament is at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum on Wednesday, June 1. Registration is from 2pm and games run from 3pm.