Time travel: The children will make coats of arms and 20th century miniature houses

Inquisitive children travelled back to Victorian times today by making toys that paid homage to the early days of animation.

The youngsters made Victorian cards with twirling strings called thaumatropes, played with flick books and had fun with spinning wheels mounted on pencils that merge colours into one.

Valence House history museum in Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, hosted the session as part of a series of activities keeping children occupied during the summer holiday.

Heritage educator Kate O’Connor, 27, said: “It has been very positive. Children are really enjoying the activities and we’ve received very good feedback from the adults.”

On Wednesday afternoon (August 29), the children will go back to the 20th century by making miniature houses from shoeboxes and in the morning toddlers will make paper hats from around the world.

On Thursday (August 30), youngsters will take part in another workshop designing coats of arms.

Each workshop cost £2 per child or £1.50 if three or more children join the session.

For more information, call Valence House on 0208 270 6745.