Newmarket's Saturday Creative Kids Club has passed the 200 members milestone - with North West Leicestershire District Council saying the scheme takes children away from computer screens.

The weekly meet-up has proved popular with children and families alike.

Newmarket has attracted some critics since opening last year - but the long term plan is for it to come into its own when the Marlborough Road development is completed.

Cllr Andrew Woodman told Coalville Nub News: "It's free, which always helps in the current climate.

"But we're looking at around 200 members with 40 to 50 children turning up every week.

"In August, they noticed a spike of 1,000 more visitors than the previous month.

"So it's working really well in driving footfall.

"This particular scheme is really good at getting kids to use their imaginations and be creative.

"I think they've had a Hedgehog Week, making them out of potatoes.

"And there was a Robot Week, which was also popular.

"It gets them off the computer screens and encourages them to be a bit more productive.

"Also it allows them to make friends, the whole thing is really positive.

"We're really pleased with it - this is exactly the sort of thing we wanted Newmarket to be.

"Not just a market, but a community venue."

Cllr Woodman says this is the sort of thing the venue was designed to be used for - and that the Creative Kids Club has been one of the ideas that has worked.

He added: "With Newmarket, we always said it would be more than just a market.

"The staff and the traders have been working really well in terms of introducing schemes that get more people in and make it a vibrant place.

"Hopefully, increasing trade at the same time, but also providing a service to the community.

"The idea is getting people to use the facility..

"It's a collaborative effort.

"But it will need the redevelopment of Marlborough Square to bring it to its full potential.

"It offers traders the chance to start-up - and anything like this brings more people in.

"I believe Newmarket will continue to grow.

"Once people have. been there, they'll keep coming back."