THERE is plenty going on for Gwent youngsters to mark the start of spring this weekend.

Every Friday throughout March, Tredegar House is holding a guided tour of the terrible tales of its paranormal history. Adults and children over the age of seven are invited to delve into the un-restored parts of the stately home and hear stories of ghosts, poltergeists and live burials.

Tours take place every Friday in March at 7pm, with a free glass of wine for adults and a guaranteed scary story for kids.

All tickets must be booked in advance by telephoning (01633) 815880, at a price of £5.50 for adults and £4.50 concessions.

For music fans, this weekend sees the regional round of the National Festival of Music for Youth.

School orchestras and local music groups will be performing throughout Saturday and Sunday at the Cwmbran County Hall from 9am until 6pm. The Beaufort Theatre in Ebbw Vale will be staging a nursery rhyme extravaganza on Sunday, with characters such as Old King Cole, Little Miss Muffet and Humpty Dumpty all on display.

Suitable for all ages, Humpty Dumpty in Nursery Rhyme Land costs £4, £3, or £12 for a family ticket, and starts at 1pm and 3.30pm. For those who like to make a rhythmic racket, a trip to Cardiff for The Greatest Drummer in the World show is a must.

A special interactive children's performance incorporating live drumming and storytelling takes place at the Sherman Theatre at 5.30pm tomorrow. Tickets cost £6 or £15 for families, which includes a chance to take part in a fun workshop after the show with more storytelling, drumming and singing.

Also in Cardiff, tomorrow, is the last chance to catch the Little Theatre's production of The Diary of Anne Frank, being staged at the Sherman Theatre at 8pm.

The performance takes place in conjunction with the Anne Frank exhibition at the Old Library, in the Hayes, throughout March. Tickets are £7 or £5 concessions. Helen Reynolds