IT doesn't seem five minutes since they went back to school but school pupils are already gearing up for October half term. We've been looking round Gwent for some ideas of how to keep the youngsters occupied:

FROM making witches' hats and hallowe'en masks to art exploration, it is all on offer in Gwent next week.

Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran, will be hosting special workshop days for children aged four and over.

For £1 children can try their hand at making hallowe'en masks on Monday, indulge in making honey and sweets on Tuesday and make witches' hats on Wednesday. On Thursday, the final day of activities before a hallowe'en night for the family on Friday, children can get at least one Christmas present ready by making a 'crazy calendar'.

In Newport's Museum and Art Gallery children between the ages of eight and 12 will be able to explore the paintings of St Ives artist Harold Harvey.

On two days children will be able to take part in art and craft activities on the theme of the paintings on display.

The 90 minute workshops are free but places have to be booked in advance.

On Saturday, October 27 children and parents will be able to explore the 'haunted' parts of Tredegar House before enjoying a family disco between between 6pm and 9pm Caldicot Castle is also hosting hallowe'en workshops on Saturday, October 27.

Abergavenny museum is organising The Big Draw as part of a national event set up by the Campaign for Drawing which is aimed at getting everyone in the country drawing pictures

Children using the museum will be asked to design an advertisement any day between October 20 and 28, an activity suitable for all ages.

On Tuesday between 11.15 and 12.15 the under 11s can handle and draw archaeological artefacts.

On Thursday primary schoolchildren can draw a mystery object.

All the work will be displayed in the museum and there will be a prize for the best in each category.

Children must be accompanied but all the workshops are free.

FACTFILE TO find out about other activities contact local libraries, or the education, leisure or tourism offices of local councils. Readers can also discover events locally in the Argus' daily What's On page. For details about the events listed call: Greenmeadow Community Farm 01633 862202 Newport Museum and Art Gallery 1633 840064 Tredegar House 01633 815880 Llancaiach Fawr Manor 01443 412248 Caldicot Castle 01291 420241 Abergavenny Museum 01873 854282