THERE will be plenty for children to do at the Royal Horticultural Malvern Spring Show this year, which for the first time is introducing a family weekend.

The weekend will feature a host of attractions aimed at encouraging young people's interest in plants and gardening.

Over the course of the action-packed family weekend, budding horticulturists can get hands on in the Exploration Zone learning about the wonderful world of plants and gardens.

In the health and wellbeing garden, the Pathways Day Service is hosting a herb hunt for little ones to discover the magic of herbs and how to grow them.

And due to popular demand, the much-loved Mr Alexander returns in his one-man show featuring a blend of juggling, unicycling and illusion.

Jane Furze of the festival said: “The festival is a remarkable event, not just for grown-ups, but for children too. We’re passionate about engaging the next generation of Alan Titchmarshes and Carol Kleins and nurturing young talent.

"With a host of activities lined up including workshops, live entertainment and interactive story-telling, family weekend promises to have something for everyone big or small.”

Children’s authors taking part include Ed Vere, Andy Steed, Tracey Corderoy and Matt Sewell, and Blue Peter’s Chris Collins, will be hosting interactive plant workshops.

For the first time ever, the school gardens challenge will also include an International Guest School Garden, designed by two Russian schoolgirls that will be judged separately. The theme is Space, celebrating the 350th anniversary of Isaac Newton's discovery of the laws of gravity, alongside the 60th anniversary the world's first satellite, Sputnik.

The festival takes place from Thursday to Sunday, May 11 to 14 May, with the family weekend on the Saturday and Sunday. Adult tickets start from £18 in advance while under-16s get in free. For more information and to book tickets, contact 01684 584924 or rhsmalvern.co.uk.