The National Trust is giving sensory backpacks to people with special educational needs visiting Brownsea Island in Poole.

Diverse Abilities, a charity supporting children and adults, has been working in partnership with the National Trust to develop the bags.

The eight packs have been designed to enhance the experience of visitors with special educational needs, and are free to hire.

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The backpacks have two themes, woodland and beach, and have sensory activities as well as fidget elements.

Bags can be booked by phone 01202 707740 or email brownseaisland@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Brownsea Island is also hosting an interactive sensory trail over the summer, where families can learn about invertebrates.

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The trail includes a sign language board, where visitors can learn how to sign the names of different bugs.

A red squirrel-inspired agility course features on the island, with balance beams, a climbing frame, obstacles, a see-saw and a den-building space.

Dania Schmitz-Vaughan, senior volunteer and communities officer said: “We see so many families enjoying exploring the island.

“The trails are a great way to discover how special Brownsea Island really is.”

Brownsea Island is open for the summer season until October 29.

Brownsea Island is one of many National Trust sites to visit in Dorset.

Popular sites in the area also include Kingston Lacy, a lavish home re-imagined as a Venetian Palace as well as Corfe Castle, a thousand-year-old royal castle.