EASTER falls earlier this year so it's time to check out what treats are in store for families.

From Easter bunny trails to creating chocolate treats, there promises to be a range of fun-filled events and activities for everyone during the holidays.

While a visit to the National Railway Museum in York tends to be more geared to train and transport buffs, this year is particularly special as the celebrity locomotive, The Flying Scotsman, returns to the tracks.

This legendary locomotive is a must-see for everyone and visitors have the opportunity to get up close to the steam celebrity in a series of events.

'Stunts, Speed and Style' runs from March 25 to May 8 following the loco's tour around the country and enables visitors to explore the history of the luxury travel between London and Edinburgh from its early days in the 19th century to the present day. For more information visit nrm.org.uk

There promises to be some sweet treats in store for the young visitors embarking on the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden.

Aimed at all ages, the event takes place from 10.30am until 4pm and runs from Friday March 25 until Monday March 28. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01535 607075.

The South Square Centre, Thornton, is hosting Easter Holiday Fun with an Easter egg hunt around the galleries and other themed activities. The Easter extravaganza runs from noon until 3pm from Tuesday to Sunday April 3. An Easter egg hunt runs from 11am until 4pm on Saturday March 26. For more information call 01274 834747 or visit southsquarecentre.co.uk

The stunning setting of Castle Howard, near York, provides the perfect landscape to hunt for giant eggs among the beautiful blooms.

Young visitors can also look forward to meeting Molly the rabbit and ride the traditional fairground including children's chair-o-plane, helter skelter and swing boats, and enjoy interactive entertainment with the lost explorers and face painters.

There will be Easter themed floral displays within the house too during the event which runs from Saturday March 26 until Monday March 28.

For more information call 01653 648333 or visit castlehoward.co.uk.

Youngsters find out more about their bodies when they enter the Body Lab at the Thackray Medical Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds during the Easter break.

To find out more about the event, which runs weekdays only from March 24 to April 15, visit thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk

Watch the stunning display of birds of prey in flight at SMJ Falconry in Oxenhope. Boasting a diverse collection of more than 60 birds of prey, including owls, falcons, hawks, kites and an eagle and vulture, visitors can watch them at work in interactive bird of prey displays.

For more information call 01535 646800, email info@smjfalconry.co.uk or visit smjfalconry.co.uk.

Learn how fish communicate underwater through The Deep's hydrophone listening station. Young visitors also have the opportunity to make their own electrical circuit with energy sticks, view the world with bug glasses and dress up as their favourite superhero.

The Deep is located in Tower Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 4DP. Call 01482 381000 or email info@thedeep.co.uk for more information.

The Craiglands Hotel, Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, is hosting an Easter Monday Funday. This family event encourages visitors to don their Easter bonnet for a parade. Youngsters can also hunt for Easter eggs and there will be a children's disco, face painting and other activities running from noon until 4pm. For more information visit craiglands.co.uk

Kershaws Garden Centre in Halifax Road, Brighouse is hosting a whole host of Easter activities from Friday March 25 until Monday March 28 (the centre will be closed on Easter Sunday).

Sunflower painting and crafts are among the things to keep young visitors entertained. For more information visit kershawgardencentre.co.uk