A LYMM couple are hoping to spirit youngsters away to a magic world after launching a series of books, events and shows.

'Wonder Slide World' has been created by Helen and Brett Nurse and aims to spark the creative skills, imagination and confidence of children under 10.

It is a complete change of direction for the pair who have run a corporate presentation business for the last 15 years but have a background in drama.

They were inspired to create the characters after reading stories to their own children, Daisy, aged six, and George, aged eight.

The first in the series – 'Wonder Slide World: The Stage Is set' – was the starting point of the project and will be published this month.

It tells the story of two children, Wonder Wizard and Cosmos Star, who travel to another world ruled by performance and creativity.

A series of interactive shows, based on the book, will be running at theatre venues across the area over the summer holidays, including the Pyramid on Friday, August 21.

Helen said: "The Wonder Slide World story has elements of nostalgia about it, taking the classic children’s story format of children discovering a magic world and adding a new and modern twist and take on it.

"The book goes hand-in-hand with the shows – they are integral to understanding the concept.

"The shows help demonstrate to children that everyone has a skill and that discovering your skills, talents and creative exploration is incredibly important – as well as fun."

"We launched this venture because we feel that a generation of children is growing up missing out on the opportunity to develop their imagination.

"We’re parents ourselves and we know how easy it is for kids to spend hours playing computer games or watching TV. Sometimes it’s hard to entertain them over the holidays.

"But creative exploration can have such a positive effect on so many aspects of a child’s future life from problem solving to confidence and communication.

"We hope parents will come along to the shows, get involved and spend some real, quality time with their children."

- Wonder Slide World comes to the Pyramid in Palmyra Square on Friday, August 21.

Tickets are £7 or free for children under three. Every child attending will also receive a free audiobook of the first book.

For more information visit wonderslideworld.com