THE landlady of a pub where a woman was shot dead thought the loud bangs were fireworks.

Michelle Thomas said there was “screaming, shouting, crying” and that the whole community was in shock.

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A view of the pub after Kent Police launched an urgent manhunt[/caption]

The victim, believed to be a mum of two and in her 40s, was killed by a man known to her in the car park of The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, Kent, on Friday.

The pair were yesterday named locally as Lisa and Edvard Stockings.

One source said Lisa had been in the pub with a female friend.

Landlady Michelle had been preparing the Valentine’s dinner when she heard two loud bangs she initially thought were fireworks.

She told Sky News: “There was so much commotion — screaming, shouting, crying. People were outside on their phones. We tried to get people inside the pub.

“People were only just starting to sit down, it was early on in the evening.”

Michelle said the victim was not a regular at the pub, where floral tributes were laid yesterday, but had been there before, “mostly in the summer”.

After the shooting the suspect drove 17 miles to the Dartford Crossing where police later found his vehicle with a firearm inside.

It was believed he may have jumped into the River Thames from the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and been swept to his death.

A search for his body continued yesterday.

Enterprise

The landlady of The Three Horseshoes where a woman was shot dead thought the loud bangs were fireworks[/caption]

PRIME Minister Keir Starmer has said he is considering deploying British troops on the ground in Ukraine to enforce any peace deal.

It is the first time he has explicitly said he is considering putting British peacekeepers in Ukraine.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he is considering putting British troops in Ukraine as peacekeepers[/caption]

The announcement comes ahead of a meeting with European leaders in Paris on Monday.

Writing in The Telegraph, he said he had not taken the decision to consider putting British servicemen and women “in harm’s way” lightly.

European leaders will gather on Monday as French President Emmanuel Macron called an emergency meeting after it emerged that these chiefs had not been invited to early Ukraine peace talks between the US and Russia.

Senior members of Donald Trump’s administration have also signalled that US security support for Europe will be scaled back.

The PM’s move is likely to put pressure on allies to also publicly back the idea of a European peacekeeping force in war-torn Ukraine.

Starmer has also suggested that Britain could play a “unique role”, acting as a bridge between Europe and the US during the peace process in Ukraine.

He called the crisis a “once in a generation moment” and an “existential” question for Europe as he committed to £3 billion a year of funding to Ukraine until 2030.

Alongside the military aid, he said “it also means being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground if necessary”.

The PM added: “I do not say that lightly. I feel very deeply the responsibility that comes with potentially putting British servicemen and women in harm’s way.

“But any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine’s security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent, and the security of this country.

“The end of this war, when it comes, cannot merely become a temporary pause before Putin attacks again.”

Starmer previously only hinted at the use of British troops for safeguarding in Ukraine after a ceasefire, but has now made this explicit message to confirm it.

The move was likely made to try and encourage both European allies and US President Trump to commit to deterring a future attack by Russia once peace has been negotiated.

The Prime Minister, who is due to visit Trump in Washington later this month, called US support “critical” to ensuring peace and security is long lasting in the region.

US administration representatives and their Russian counterparts are expected to meet on Monday in Saudi Arabia for talks, following Wednesday’s call between Trump and Putin.

But Ukrainian officials are not expected to be at the table at this stage, while other European leaders may not be involved in the peace negotiations at all.

Prime Minister Starmer has emphasised that Ukraine must be included at peace negotiations, warning that other nations risk validating Putin’s position that Ukraine is “not a real nation”.

He also harked back to the chaotic situation that unfolded when US troops left Afghanistan under former president Joe Biden, following a deal that Trump had struck with the Taliban.

The PM also restated his belief that Ukraine’s path to Nato membership is “irreversible” and also suggested squeezing Russia’s economy by going further on the cap on oil prices.

He also recommended the targeting the shadow fleet used to transport exports, sanctioning of oil giants, and taking of action against banks that enable the evasion of sanctions.

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The PM made the announcement ahead of a meeting with European leaders on Monday[/caption]

ANTONY scored yet again for loan club Real Betis as he equalled last season’s goal tally for Manchester United in just four games.

The Brazilian winger joined his new Spanish club in January on a deal running until the summer.

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He has now matched his Man Utd tally from 2023/24 in just four games[/caption] http://twitter.com/PremSportsTV/status/1891234880496755178

Antony had been frozen out at United by Ruben Amorim after struggling to fit into his 3-4-3 system.

But the £90million flop has hit the ground running in LaLiga.

Antony first bagged an assist just 14 minutes into his Betis debut.

His performance earned a coveted Man of the Match award.

And he followed that up with a goal in his second appearance under ex-Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Antony’s second strike came playing for Betis in the Europa Conference League this week.

And today saw him hit his third goal for the Spaniards in their 3-0 LaLiga win over Real Sociedad.

Antony struck a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box to give his side a second-half lead.

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Antony was even hailed by LaLiga’s official X account, which posted: “Antony. What a player.”

Indeed, the forward now has as many goals in just four games for Betis as he managed throughout the whole of the 2023/24 campaign for United.

And fans reckon the Red Devils could do with having Antony back right now.

That’s after they were beaten 1-0 by fellow strugglers Spurs, with Amorim having to name EIGHT kids on the bench due to injuries.

One fan said: “Looks like United binned the wrong players.”

Another declared: “You have to ask what is wrong at United.”

One noted: “United are a cursed club.”

Another added: “Best thing he did was get away from United.”

WACKY cars from Top Gear’s glory years have been saved from the scrapheap by a Scots tourist attraction.

Petrolheads were left steaming when BBC chiefs junked the iconic vehicles as they were too bashed to restore or sell.

Top Gear

Classic cars from the BBC show were junked – but now have been rescued[/caption]

Grampian Transport Musuem

The iconic vehicles from Top Gear to go on display after being saved for public viewing[/caption]

GRAMPIAN TRANSPORT MUSUEM

They had spent 15 years as part of the World of Top Gear exhibition, based at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire[/caption]

But Grampian Transport Museum has now raced in to rescue 17 of the comically adapted motors featured in over 20 years of the TV hit.

They include host Jeremy Clark- son’s one-man P45, a barmy all-terrain ice cream van called Mr Nippy and Triumph Herald car-turned-sailboat.

Ross McKirdy, manager of the museum in Alford, Aberdeenshire, told how he struck a deal with the Beeb to buy them after they faced being lost to the public forever.

They had spent 15 years as part of the World of Top Gear exhibition, based at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire.

That show hit the end of the road last November, a year after the series was axed following presenter Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash.

Ross later faced a battle to transport the collection 600 miles to its new home.

He told The Scottish Sun: “I was scrolling through Facebook and saw the World of Top Gear exhibition was closing. I got in like a shot.

“I got in touch with the BBC in October and everything was signed and sealed by December.

“After being battered and bruised during challenges, we had to employ specialist movers and we got the last of the vehicles a week ago.

“They are of national significance.”

The motors will star in a new exhibition from March 28 titled And On That Bombshell — after Sun columnist Clarkson’s catchphrase.

Enthusiasts can also see the likes of the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust diesel-electric hybrid created by Clarkson along with co-stars Richard Hammond and James May.

But Ross reckons top billing could go to the “indestructible” Toyota Hilux the trio famously blew up in a tower block explosion.

Ross added: “We’ve done big exhibitions before but I’m almost certain this will be the biggest. I think the Hilux will attract the most interest.”

TOP Gear

The public are now able to visit the cars[/caption]

GRAMPIAN TRANSPORT MUSUEM

BBC bosses infuriated fans last month by announcing some of the most famous comically adapted motors[/caption]

After learning the cars faced being dumped, Clarkson said: “Some people see cars as just a tonne-and-a-half of glass, plastic, metal and rubber. But to petrolheads, they’re more than that.”

BBC Studios said: “We’re pleased to have worked with Grampian Motor Museum to ensure some of the show’s most iconic vehicles remain available for public viewing.”

SYDNEY Sweeney proves she isn’t one to turn her back on a glam night out as she shows off a strapless dress.

The 27-year-old was at the Berlin Film Festival in a break from shooting TV show Euphoria.

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Sydney Sweeney was snapped at the Berlin Film Festival, having a break from shooting TV show Euphoria[/caption]

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The actress wore this white strapless dress[/caption]

Fans will be delighted she’s not giving them the cold shoulder.

Sydney was recently filming psychological thriller The Housemaid — ­starring Amanda Seyfried — in New Jersey.

Sweeney and fiancé Jonathan Davino met in 2018, and the couple got engaged in February 2022.

The smitten duo produce films together, including last year’s summer smash hit Anyone but You. 

Sydney, who stars in Euphoria, has branded her future husband her “producing partner” and said it’s great to work with someone who knows her well.

The pair are said to be planning a small and intimate wedding in Chicago in the summer, although nothing is confirmed.

Although Sydney keeps her relationship with Jonathan underwraps somewhat, her photodump to ring in 2025 gave fans a glimpse inside their bond.

Sharing several photos and videos from the holiday season, where Syndey could be seen having a blast with her pals and loved ones, the actress penned: “the last few days of 2024 will forever be some of my favorite.”

In the last snap that she shared, Sydney could be seen snogging her husband-to-be, presumably on New Year’s Eve.

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Sydney on the red carpet[/caption]

SIR Keir Starmer last night batted off calls from military chiefs to increase defence spending above 2.5 per cent.

It came as he prepared to fly to Paris for an emergency summit on Ukraine.

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Keir Starmer has batted off calls from military chiefs to increase defence spending above 2.5 per cent[/caption]

The PM is facing demands from Britain’s top brass to raise defence spending to 2.65 per cent of GDP.

But Downing Street sources rubbished suggestions he would meet the demands, insisting he was sticking to Labour’s 2.5 per cent promise.

Sir Keir will lay out a timeline later this year to increase the military budget from its existing 2.3 per cent.

It came as French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday summoned Sir Keir to Paris to help thrash out a European response to the fast-moving events surrounding a possible Ukraine peace deal.

He will be joined by the leaders of Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark.

They will discuss how to give Ukraine the best possible hand to enter ceasefire negotiations with Russia President Vladimir Putin.

US President Donald Trump and his allies have suggested that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky will have to concede some of his lost territory to Russia.

But Mr Zelensky said: “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never.”

He added: “This is the war in Ukraine, against us, and it’s our human losses.”

Tensions have already flared with the US administration over whether or not Ukraine should be allowed to join Nato, after Trump’s defence secretary said it was unrealistic.

Stefanie Babst, former deputy assistant secretary general of Nato, yesterday accused Trump of “switching sides”.

She told Times Radio: “He is siding with the pariah state, with a war criminal, and he has been a Putin fan all along.”

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A MAJOR German chocolate brand said to be cheaper than others is now selling chocolate bars in the UK for the first time.

Cocoa-free chocolate brand ChoViva has made its UK debut through a tie-up with bargain retailer Aldi.

The German brand has so far launched its first product Peanut Butter Mini Eggs under Aldi’s chocolate label Dairyfine.

It has been priced at £1.49 for a 90g pack.

The chocolate is made from sugar, vegetable fat, skimmed milk powder, sunflower seed flour, grapeseed flour and emulsifiers.

While the creamy filling inside is made from peanut flour, chopped peanuts and cocoa butter, the Grocer reports.

The German chocolate is said to be cheaper than others because it doesn’t use cocoa which is currently rising in price.

Sara Marquart, founder of ChoViva, said: “We didn’t want to produce something, manufacture something that is only for the elite or the have a high purchasing power.

“Our prices are comparable or lower than conventional cocoa and chocolate. And I think what’s very important is that we have no volatility in prices.

“The ingredients that we use (primarily sunflower seeds) are highly abundant,” Sara told the Grocer.

The world is witnessing a global cocoa shortage after production in West Africa – which accounts for around 70 per cent of global supply – fell sharply.

This has forced chocolate manufacturers to increase the prices of our favourite bars.

Nestle has blamed a rise in costs for both cocoa and coffee as it warned of having to pass on the increase to shoppers.

The company’s CEO Laurent Freixe said: “It is clear that when it comes to coffee and chocolate as input costs further increase, you should see some pricing, but it is the same story, we will try first to mitigate… the impact of input costs and price right.”

The firm’s CFO Anna Manz added: “We are taking more price in 2025, so this may give rise to more customer challenges.”

Meanwhile, the viral “Dubai chocolate” sensation has finally arrived in the UK, causing a frenzy amongst shoppers.

The dessert, inspired by the Middle Eastern treat knafeh, features a rich pistachio filling and crunchy Kadayif pastry at its centre, all coated in chocolate.

Morrisons has introduced the Pistachio Kunafa Dubai Chocolate cake bar, priced at £5 each.

The ‘Dubai chocolate’ trend gained momentum on social media platforms like TikTok, captivating dessert enthusiasts worldwide.

Its unique combination of flavours has made it a must-try delicacy.

One Facebook user shared their excitement, posting a picture of the chocolate with the caption: “Look what I found in Morrisons this morning was £5 but worth a try”.

Elsewhere, Cadbury shoppers have been left delighted to bag bargains in a huge chocolate sale where prices start from just 39p.

Christmas chocolates are being sold at slashed prices at Cadbury Gift Directs.

RAGING Burnley players wanted Milutin Osmajic to be subbed after Hannibal Mejbri accused Preston’s forward of racism.

Clarets’ Zian Flemming went to the Preston bench to ask why Osmajic had stayed on following the accusations of a slur against Hannibal during Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate.

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Burnley wanted Milutin Osmajic to be subbed after an alleged racist comment to Hannibal Mejbri[/caption]

Rex

The incident allegedly occurred during Burnley’s 0-0 draw with Preston on Saturday[/caption]

Caretaker Stuart McCall stood his ground and refused, sparking CJ Egan-Riley to hurl the ball in his direction — greeted by sarcastic applause from the coach.

The North End stand-in boss stood by Osmajic who was taken off later in the 77th minute. 

Hannibal went off six minutes earlier.

Preston insiders reveal Osmajic was close to tears when he went to see referee Andrew Kitchen after the game.

Osmajic and Hannibal were called in by the official who will report the incident to the FA ahead of an investigation.

The Montenegrin striker said he has black team-mates and pals in the Preston ranks and would NOT have insulted them.

The FA will quiz both about an alleged racist comment.

In October, Osmajic was hit with an eight-match ban after biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck.

The incident took place during Preston’s 0-0 draw with Rovers in September.

Osmajic was only shown a yellow during the game and was able to play in Preston’s next two games.

But the FA launched an investigation and subsequently charged him.

Osmajic missed Preston’s next eight matches and was also fined £15,000.

ELEONORA Incardona has been hailed by DAZN viewers as the ‘new Diletta Leotta’.

The stunning TV presenter, 34, hosted coverage of Juventus vs Inter on Sunday for the streaming giant.

https://www.instagram.com/eleonoraincardona/

Eleonora Incardona wowed DAZN viewers with a stunning look[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/eleonoraincardona/

Stunniing Eleonora wore a see-through top and knee-high leather boots[/caption]

Instagram

Glam Eleonora was compared to stunning TV presenter Diletta Leotta[/caption]

And fans were left in awe of the stunning brunette’s amazing look.

Eleonora donned a see through top that revealed a brown push-up bra.

She matched that with a mini skirt and some sexy knee-high leather boots.

The gorgeous host shared her glam outfit on Instagram to her one million plus followers.

Needless to say, they were full of compliments in the comments section.

One wrote: “Super attractive.”

A second shared: “Perfect beauty.”

A third posted: “The new Diletta Leotta.”

While a fourth added: “So gorgeous.”

Eleonora was once engaged to Leotta’s stepbrother Mirko Manolo.

However, she now dates Italian international midfielder, Samuele Ricci.

She revealed in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am very happy with him. I met him in one of the most complicated periods of my life.

“I was only thinking about work to distract myself from everything else. And instead I met a wonderful person, with sound principles and strong values.”

FEBRUARY half-term is here – but it won’t feel like a holiday to many parents, thanks to the bleak weather and our even bleaker post-Christmas bank balances.

Just remember that you can still have fun as a family without spending a fortune.

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Emma Lazenby has scoured the UK for free events and activities this half term[/caption]

Emma Lazenby has scoured the UK for free events and activities to get the kids off their screens, without burning a hole in your wallet.

And most are wet-weather friendly, too.

LONDON & THE SOUTH EAST

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Take in the planes at the Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon[/caption]

PLAY among the planes at the Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, North London.

Toddlers have plenty of room in the hangars to stretch their legs, while the bigger kids will love exploring the aircraft and checking out the drones.

 EXPLORE a secret tropical oasis in the heart of the city at the Barbican Conservatory in central London.

Entry is free but tickets must be booked online in advance.

 CHILDREN’S faves Bagpuss and The Clangers are among the eclectic exhibitions at The Beaney House Of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury, Kent.

This hub has a collection of insects and artefacts gathered by world explorers.

See canterburymuseums.co.uk.

 GO back to your own childhood, or that of your children, at The Novium Museum in Chichester, Sussex.

It has more than 200 items from Rubik’s Cubes to My Little Pony in its special exhibition, I Grew Up 80s.

MIDLANDS

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The Abbey Pumping Station in Leicester explores the science of the railways[/caption]

GET hands-on with the exhibitions at Abbey Pumping Station in Leicester, which explores the science of the railways.

Entry is free and it costs just 50p for a ride on the Narrow Gauge Steam Railway.

 HEAD into the forest to find Julia Donaldson’s beloved character and his family tree at the Stick Man trail at Sherwood Pines, Notts.

It’s free to follow but you can also get a family activity pack for £4.

See visitnottinghamshire.co.uk.

 CREATIVE kids can investigate new artwork at the Half Term Art Explorer session on Wednesday at the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham.

There will also be mini-modelling sessions and collage-making.

 SHIMMY up the trees in the climbing forest at Coombe Abbey Park, Coventry.

There’s also an adventure playground and, if you can shell out for a treat, the 1950s-themed Sundae Club is open at weekends.

See coventryrocks.co.uk and sundae-club.co.uk.

EAST OF ENGLAND

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Fossil fans will be in heaven at the Museum Of Zoology in Cambridge[/caption]

SEE science at work by heading to The Explorium, part of Norwich Science Festival, which runs until Saturday at The Forum.

There are new activities and exhibitors each day, so you can even go more than once.

See norwichsciencefestival.co.uk.

SET the kids’ imaginations soaring at Norfolk And Suffolk Aviation Museum in Flixton.

The collection of more than 60 aircraft includes fixed and rotary wing models dating from ­wartime to the present day.

FOSSIL fans will be in heaven at the Museum Of Zoology in Cambridge, which has dinosaurs aplenty.

There’s also a ­special twilight session on Wednesday and Pride In Nature tours on Saturdays.

NORTH WEST

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World Museum Liverpool has exhibitions on fashion, dinosaurs, Egypt and even bees[/caption]

THERE’S something for every interest at the World Museum in Liverpool, with exhibitions on fashion, dinosaurs, Egypt and even bees.

Don’t miss the aquarium, too.

See liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.

IT’S party time over at Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery, with a special programme of events to mark ten years of February For Families since the gallery reopened.

Check out the Afrocats sessions from Tuesday to Thursday or MacFest on Saturday.

 SEE submarines, Viking artefacts and the bones of the oldest Northerner at the Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

There’s also an adventure playground and free parking.

YORKSHIRE & THE NORTH EAST

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Prepare for battle at the Royal Armories Museum in Leeds[/caption]

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Seven Stories in Newcastle has exhibits on kids books[/caption]

PREPARE for battle at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, which has a vast collection of weapons from across the ages.

Don’t miss the daily selection of historical sword-fight re-enactments at the venue, too.

MARVEL at the skills of Sheffield’s famous metal workers at the city’s Millennium Gallery.

There’s an impressive collection dedicated to the local trade and seasonal exhibitions, with the Winter Garden next door the perfect spot to eat lunch.    

See sheffieldmuseums. org.uk.

STEP aboard a bullet train at York’s National Railway Museum, which throughout 2025 is celebrating its 50th birthday.

There are trains from across the ages and a play area, plus the option to pay extra for the interactive Wonderlab area.

 IMMERSE yourselves in the world of your favourite tales at the Seven Stories National Centre For Children’s Books in Newcastle.

It has interactive exhibitions, workshops and daily story-telling sessions.

See sevenstories.org.uk.

SOUTH WEST

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Red House Museum in Christchurch, Dorset, is a former Georgian workhouse[/caption]

THE wonders of the natural world are on display at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

It is hosting the Wildlife Photographer Of The Year exhibition, with special late opening sessions on Thursday and ­February 27, complete with DJs, until 9pm.

TRAVEL from the Ice Age to the present day at Red House Museum in Christchurch, Dorset.

This former Georgian workhouse has a family area with hands-on activities and dressing-up costumes, as well as quizzes and trails.

MEET the cows, goats and turkeys at Roskilly’s Organic Farm in Helston, Cornwall.

Visitors can also enjoy a number of meadow walks for free – and if you have cash to spare, head to the ice-cream parlour.

WALES

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Why not follow the White Rabbit on the Alice In ­Wonderland Trail, which is located in the seaside town of Llandudno[/caption]

STEP back in time at St Fagans National Museum Of History in Cardiff, with its park full of historic buildings showing life across the ages.

There will also be free song and dance workshops celebrating Welsh culture.

 OR why not follow the White Rabbit on the Alice In ­Wonderland Trail, which is located in the seaside town of Llandudno, north Wales.

You’ll learn about what inspired the wonderful, weird Lewis Carroll classic, with a £3 guide available from the tourist office if you want to find out more.

 DESCEND 300ft underground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Pontypool, south east Wales, a former working pit turned attraction.

You can take a tour of the coalface and explore the history of the mining industry.

SCOTLAND

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Take part in the Harry Potter trail in Edinburgh[/caption]

Wikimedia Commons

The Lego Manhunt is at Glasgow Police Museum on Tuesday and Friday[/caption]

TURN detective with the Lego Manhunt laid on for the under-eights at Glasgow Police Museum on Tuesday and Friday.

Older kids can earn a Junior Detective Award in the Museum Quiz on the same dates.

 FALL under the spell of the Harry Potter Trail in Edinburgh, with knowledgeable guides taking you along the real-life Diagon Alley. 

You need to pre-book and these walking tours are free, but donations at the end are welcome.

 CREATE a masterpiece at V&A Dundee, which has Drop In + Design workshops year-round.

You can also explore the exhibits and see the new Dundee Tapestry, stitched by 140 volunteers.

NORTHERN IRELAND

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A walled garden awaits you at Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne, County Antrim[/caption]

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A model triceratops exhibit in the Ulster Museum Belfast[/caption]

YOU can find everything from a triceratops skeleton to oral histories of the Troubles at Ulster Museum in Belfast.

There are hands-on experiences to enjoy in its three themed Discovery Centres, too.

 FOREST walks and a walled garden await at Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne, County Antrim.

There’s also a Family Fun Zone with extra paid-for activities within its 191 hectares.

NATIONWIDE

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Enjoy a free 60-minute session with arts, crafts and games in a ­Smaland Ikea creche[/caption]

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Take the kids to your local Junior Park Run event[/caption]

GRAB a Billy bookcase or a cuppa in peace while your kids enjoy a free, 60-minute session with arts, crafts and games in a ­Smaland Ikea creche.

They’re available at most of the chain’s stores, excluding Manchester, ­Birmingham and Croydon, and are suitable for three to ten-year-olds.

BLOW the cobwebs away at your local Junior Park Run event – a 2km run for ages four to 14.

All speeds and abilities are welcome, plus there are free trackers to monitor progress.

Check the website parkrun.com for your nearest weekly event.

 GET green-fingered at a Dobbies garden centre with their Little Seedlings holiday clubs.

The free, hour-long plant and flower-based ­activities and workshops are suitable for four to ten-year-olds, although they must be accompanied at all times by an adult.

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