ENTERTAINING the kids during school holidays is never an easy task but luckily there is now a whole range of fun summer activities on offer in Blackpool and the Fylde for youngsters of all ages.

The Kidz Mega Fest 2001 offers a dazzling array of summer events for kids, many of them free. The Cartoon Character Convention at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on August 4 is great for younger children and is also free.

Other highlights include the National Powerboat Grand Prix 2001 on July 21 and 22. There is also a range of Summer Sports Camps on offer. Events run from July 14 to August 27. For further details call 478222.

Wyre Borough Council is also organising an action-packed programme of sporting activities for children of all ages this summer. Activities on offer include cricket, tennis, rugby, competitive swimming, taekwondo and even model flying. Activities will be held in all areas of the borough at sports and swimming centres, schools and community centres. Leaflets detailing the full range of activities are available from Wyre Council Civic Centre and other council outlets. Call Helen Clay on 887526 for more information.

St Annes YMCA is organising a summer Playscheme for children aged 4-12 years old. Every weekday from July 16 to August 31 there are sports and games, arts and crafts, videos and day trips on offer. Morning sessions cost £4.50 for members and £5 for non-members and a full-day is £9 for members and £10 for non-members. Call 724117 for details.

Thornton Library is offering a summer of fun for young bookworms. All primary school children are invited to a creative workshop on July 27 from 10 to 11am. The workshop will launch the national Reading Carnival which encourages children to read more over the summer. The programme is free for children and is being held at the library on Victoria Road East. Contact Mrs Hockey on 869138 for more details.

Schools and libraries throughout Blackpool will be taking part in the Reading Carnival, for ages four to eleven and the Reading Challenge, for ages 11 to 13. For further details phone Val Bettison, Senior Librarian: Youth and Community, on 478112.

For animal-loving youngsters, the charity PDSA is running a Pet Protectors Club this summer. This aims to teach children about the responsibilities of owning a pet in a fun and friendly way. The club magazine, Animal Antics, includes lots of features, competitions and activities. Membership fees start from £5 and family memberships are also available. Call 01952 290999 for details.