PETER Pan, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell will be in St Helens town centre to mark the launch of this year's Summer Beach.

Other Disney characters including Moana, and Ariel from the Little Mermaid will also be making a visit for the opening of the annual attraction at Church Square on Saturday, July 22.

There will be a meet and greet for the little ones and a range of fun activities including arts and crafts, glitter tattoos, face painting and mini interactive shows and games.

A host of other much-loved children’s TV characters will also visit the town centre while Summer Beach is on. Young superheroes from the animated series PJ Masks, will be in town on Monday, July 31 (1pm to 3pm). And tails will be wagging when Chase & co from Paw Patrol call in on Monday, August 7 (1pm to 3pm) with Ben & Holly paying a visit on Monday, August 14 (1pm to 3pm).

With a large beach area for youngsters to tackle with their buckets and spades and a children's funfair, Summer Beach will run from Saturday, July 22 until Saturday, September 2 in Church Square from 10am to 4pm.

Mayor and mayoress Cllr Joe and Sylvia Pearson will officially open Summer Beach at 12pm on Saturday (July 22).

Posters will also be displayed around the attraction with advice and messages on sunbed and sun safety – and how to quit smoking.

Gary Maddock, town centre manager, said: "Summer Beach is just one of many red-hot attractions part of scorching schedule of summer events taking place in St Helens over the summer for the kids to enjoy.

"Several family fun days will take place in parks and markets across the borough, including Sherdley Park (July 23), Victoria Park July 29 and August 29), St Mary's Market (August 5, 12 and 19) and Earlestown Market (

August 4, 11 and 18).

"Then on Saturday, August 5, prepare to be amazed when the Newton Town Show returns to Mesnes Park. Highlights of this year’s event include a motorbike display team, thrilling helicopter tours, a spectacular parachute display, the traditional tug o’ war –and military action through firing displays by Royal Artillery 103 Regiment and a First World War battle re-enactment.

"St Helens is also set to stage its annual Summer Streets – an occasion of outdoor performances set against a carnival atmosphere on Saturday, August 12.

"Expect a line-up of top artists and attractions from the world of comedy, music, acrobatics, dance, magic and theatre. All the action will take place on the streets in the town centre and all the performances are

free!"

For regular event updates on what’s happening where and when across the

borough, ‘like’ www.facebook.com/whatsoninsthelens/ on Facebook - or follow

@whatsonsthelens on Twitter.