73137-22CHAOS reigned supreme at Swindon Art and History Museum as children of all ages celebrated Da de los Muertos the Mexican Day of the Dead.

Rather than being a morbid occasion, the Day of the Dead is a time of celebration in Mexico.

The children recreated traditional seasonal icons, such as Spirit Eyes created by wrapping brightly coloured threads around a pair of crossed sticks in order to ward off evil spirits.

The messiest of the activities on offer was the creation of piatas using papier-mache and brightly coloured paint.

Nickey Pardoe, education and outreach officer, said: "It's the first time we've done a Mexican day. We try to vary the cultures and traditions to help the children to learn more about the world around them.

"The children really enjoy the activities, and the great thing about them is that no-one looks like another.

"It's just a pity that they're going to take the piatas home and smash them to pieces!"

Lewis Milne, aged seven, said: "Art is my favourite subject and I like the museum, especially the puppet shows in the play area."

Daniel Shurmer, also seven, added: "I've been here loads of times.

"This is my favourite part because I like to look at the paintings."