Croydon has been chosen by a national education charity to be the focus of this year's Family Learning Week.

The week, which began on Saturday and runs for seven days, is an annual event organised by the Campaign for Learning to celebrate and highlight the benefits of learning as a family.

In 2005, the event attracted more than 300,000 family members who took part in more than 5,000 activities. It is hoped this year's event will also reach the same level of achievement.

The national launch took place in the Whitgift Shopping Centre in Croydon town centre last Friday when representatives from the Campaign for Learning and family learning workers joined local families.

Louise Dennis, from the Campaign for Learning, said: "Family Learning Week has grown in Croydon considerably over the years with 316 events now taking place in schools, libraries, museums and retail stores."

Councillor Maria Gatland, cabinet member for education, youth and lifelong learning, added: "Croydon is very proud of its contribution to Family Learning Week and the quality and diversity of family learning activities we run all year round. The emphasis at all our events is on fun as a way to engage even the most reluctant learners and show them what family learning has to offer. "

So far families have been able to try a host of new activities and have also been given a chance to look into their family history at the borough's libraries.

Linda Siegle, who is from Croydon and joint chief executive of the Campaign for Learning, said: "Croydon captures the essence of what the Campaign for Learning is trying to highlight through the week - that family learning is fun, for everybody, and truly makes a difference to lives."

To find out more about Family Learning Week call 0800 100 900 or visit familylearningweek.com.