YOUNGSTERS will have plenty to do over the Easter holidays as a number of activities and events are being held.

Organisations across the borough will offer a range of fun and games to get children and their families into the Easter spirit.

1. At The Rock there is free fun for all the family over Easter, including a chance to meet fairytale favourites from Alice in Wonderland.

On Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15, children are invited to meet Alice and her friends in the colourful world of Wonderland, with free face painting, egg decorating and posing for a photo with Alice, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter.

To add to the fun, on Easter Saturday, the popular Lancashire Fusiliers band will be entertaining shoppers, playing from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. On Monday, April 17 there will be a free Punch and Judy Magic Show from midday to 4pm.

2. Make like a bunny and hop down to a special theme day taking place at the East Lancashire Railway. Every child who is wearing a home-made Easter Bonnet on Easter Monday travels for free on the train! The offer runs from 10am to 4pm at Bolton Street station.

Other events run until April 23, including the Neverland Express on April 6 with Peter, Wendy, the lost boys and Tinkerbell; the Princess Adventure on April 13; School of Wizardy on April 20 and Alice in Wonderland from April 21 to 23. Children's craft workshops are also running at Bury Transport Museum, across the road from the railway. Tickets can be booked at eastlancsrailway.org.uk.

3. Ramsbottom's annual Chocolate Festival returns for another weekend of sugar-fuelled fun on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9.

Families can look forward to an artisan chocolatiers and bakers market, plus a children's area with face painting and other family fun.

Entry to the event is free. It runs from 10am until 5pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday. Visit www.visitramsbottom.org/chocolatefestival for information.

4. A family fun day will take place on Easter Sunday at Bury Football Club.

Entrance is free with each child given a free Easter egg. There will be entertainment with dancing, singing and items for sale. The fun day runs from 12pm to 4pm at Gigg Lane.

5. On Easter Sunday an egg hunt will take place at noon followed by an Easter bonnet parade and face painter at the Pack Horse Inn, Elbut Lane.

6. On the same day, an Easter party and egg hunt will take place in aid of Anabelle’s Challenge in the stunning enclosed gardens at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel. The day will include egg colouring, face painting, along with a special guest and a bar for adults. Tickets are priced at £8 per person and include buffet lunch. Visit www.annabelleschallenge.org or call Sarah on 07812 71474 for information.

7. On Easter Monday, solve clues to find the Easter eggs in Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom. Registration is £1 per child whilst the tea room will also be open for refreshments. The event will run from 11am to 3pm.

8. For families who are willing to travel further afield over Easter, a giant inflatable obstacle course will be taking over Manchester’s Old Granada Studios on April 10 and 11 and at Bolton's Macron Stadium on April 12 and 13.

Wacky World will feature more than 20 interactive activities from giant inflatable slides and bouncy castles to disco domes, total wipeout machines and bungee runs.

Each session lasts for 90 minutes meaning there is ample time to have a go on all the activities.

A boys v girls stage show will also feature with dancing, balloons and a giant Pie Face game. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £10 for children, which includes one supervising adult. Extra adults pay £2 each.

To book visit www.wackyworlduk.co.uk or see www.funleisureuk.com