Twenty tons of real snow was used to create a toboggan run right next to the museum's inland beach.

And hundreds of children had the time of their lives as they tore down the slope at terrific speeds in the seasonal warm weather or played on a snowboard simulator.

Nina Rogers, of Eureka, said: "This was a special way to end two special weeks. It was fabulous to see so many kids having so much fun."

A special drive-in movie showing Grease complete with firework display was sold out, while a family athletics day at Spring Hall pitted mums, dads and children in a mini Olympic Games.

But it was the winter wonderland which was most popular.

Kris Whitworth, of Boothtown, Halifax, took his two sons, eight year old Joe and Toby, six.

He said: "They loved it. We come down here a lot but I've hardly been able to drag them away from the snow.

"And the fact it's free is a real bonus."

The festival which ran from July 1 to July 13, also saw youngsters get behind the wheels of model cars at the racing circuit, Stainland Road, West Vale.

Budding singers and musicians also created their own tunes and starred in their own music videos.

The youngsters, aged between eight and 15, attended the X Factor workshop at Mixenden Outdoor and Community Centre, Mixenden, Halifax.

The X Factor is one of the hundreds of events that make up this year's July Project, Calderdale's only festival for children and young people.