Summer of fun for children

Youngsters across the Lichfield district can start looking forward to a packed summer holiday thanks to the launch of a new activity programme.

The Summer Activity Programme will run from July 23 to August 24.

Lichfield District Council has just unveiled the programme, which offers a host of activities for children and young people.

One of the summer highlights will be the day trips for five to 18-year olds including skiing, paintballing and Alton Towers.

There will also be fun family day trips to the ThinkTank, Blackpool, Warwick Castle and Twycross Zoo.

The scheme will also offer weekly playschemes for five to 11-year olds at various locations throughout the district, with fees starting from £30.

Mary Cooke, play development manager for the district council, said to encourage children to think up ways they can make their community even better, Community Pride has been chosen as this year's Playscheme theme.

And as part of this, playschemes will be running a Community Pride poster competition which will ask children to create a picture of something they are proud of within the Lichfield district. "Each year we present a huge variety of fun activities to keep children and young people busy over the summer holidays," said Ms Cooke.

"Having fun and playing is such a good way for children to develop their social, creative and physical skills."