FAMILY fun activities, themed around the sea, are to be held at Combe Martin Museum.

A seashore discovery day will take place on Saturday May 15, with a rolling programme of free events, including scheduled rock-pooling sessions, species identification and craft activities running from 10.30am until 4pm.

The event is being held as part of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 50th anniversary programme.

Other organisations involved include Exmoor National Park Authority, Ilfracombe Aquarium, Exmoor Zoo and Coastwise.

Jackie Ward, learning co-ordinator at Combe Martin Museum, said: "This will be a great opportunity and we hope everyone, young and old, will be able to come along to explore, discover and learn about Combe Martin's rocky shore and meet our very own Professor Blenny in his seaside lab."

North Devon AONB has set a challenge for families to find and identify 50 different species on the day to reflect its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Exmoor National Park Rangers will help name the beach finds with assistance from Coastwise and museum volunteers, while Lawrence Raybone from Ilfracombe Aquarium will have a microscope on hand for closer examination and all discoveries will be posted on a chart for everyone to see.

The AONB will also be running coastal themed craft activities.

Exmoor Zoo will be helping Professor Blenny in his seaside lab and introducing all ages to some of the beach's hidden cleaners.

Visitors will be able to find out about responsible rock pooling, what rubbish can do to marine life, taste a local seaweed delicacy and join in with craftwork.

Rose Day , chairman of the North Devon Coast AONB, said: "The discovery day will offer families a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn about our seashore and to take part in enjoyable activities with a costal theme."

Combe Martin Museum is next to the Tourist Information Centre in Cross Street. Places for each activity are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

All children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

For further information call the museum on 01271 889031.