PUPPETS helped youngsters enjoy some nonsense at Oxford’s Story Museum.

The family session, a joint partnership with the Ashmolean Museum, was called Mr Lear’s birthday party.

It offered an introduction to the poetry of Edward Lear, 200 years after his birth, with readings of The Owl and the Pussy Cat, limericks and a chance to make the puppets, as well as a wacky beard and spectacles.

Donna Husband, 37, of Lower Heyford, went to the event with children Laurie, eight, and Niamh, five.

Mrs Husband said: “We really enjoyed it.

“For the kids it was something new and for me it was about hearing The Owl and the Pussy Cat again.”