Sunderland's newest 'beach' opens for school holidays - and there's no chance of rain!

The new indoor sandy playground paradise will be open at The Bridges until Sunday, September 2 - providing a perfect place to keep kids entertained during the school holidays.

A host of activities are planned for the site:

* On Wednesday, August 1, from 10am – 2pm, youngsters can make the most of the Creation Station, where they can decorate cardboard sunglasses using various materials, make sea inspired creatures out of Play-Doh and get creative with felt tips to colour in some beach-themed sheets.

* On Wednesday, August 8, the Creation Station is back with a nature theme, where children can use collage materials to make a bug hat and other nature-themed crafts.

* Every Friday, there will be a treasure competition where the Sunderland Empire will be giving away a family pass to see this year’s pantomime, Peter Pan.

* On Wednesday, August 15 and 22, Superman and Supergirl characters will visit the beach from 11am-1pm.

Andy Bradley, centre director at the Bridges, said: "The beach is always very popular with our shoppers and we have a really exciting summer of activities planned to keep the kids entertained while they’re not at school.

"Unfortunately, the world can’t stand still every time the sun is out, but at least this way it means you can make sure you’re not missing out and enjoy a bit of the beach in Sunderland while you shop."

The beach is open Monday-Saturday from 10am until 4pm, 10-7pm on Thursdays and 11am-4pm on Sundays.