BUCKETS and spades at the ready!

Children can enjoy a sandy summertime over the school holidays with the summer beach returning to Church Square next Thursday (July 23).

The large beach area and funfair rides will remain in the square until August 29.

Cbeebies star Alex Winters will perform two free beach party shows on the launch day at noon and 2pm on Thursday 23 July, as well as a meet and greet at 2.30pm. Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Steve Glover will officially open the beach during the event.

To tie in with the 'seaside' activity, Church Square Shopping Centre will host a series of free children's activities in St Mary's Arcade every Friday in August.

The town is set to stage the annual free Summer Streets festival with a line-up including comedians, music, acrobatics, dancers, magicians and theatre, on August 7 and 8.

Taking place on town centre streets, the programme includes children's shows from Cbeebies TV star Sid Sloane, the internationally acclaimed Brouhaha percussion band and giant puppets, local band Stillia, St Helens Male Voices and Rainford Vocal Academy.

Two more special events for youngsters will be held in town over the holiday: a Superhero Day and a Pirates and Princesses Day.

Superhero Day, with themed entertainment, face painting and a chance to meet superhero characters takes place on August 1, from 12 to 3pm at St Mary's Market.

The Pirates and Princesses event, on Saturday, August 15 from 12 to 3pm, will feature a Disney Princess Show, themed craft workshops, a fancy dress parade and face painting.

Throughout the summer, bouncing inflatables will based at St Mary's Market.

For more information go to whatsoninsthelens.com or call 676731.