by Pete Lammas

YOUNGSTERS in Rubery can look forward to an action-packed time with the setting up of their own school holiday activity scheme.

Bromsgrove District Council, in partnership with Rubery Leisure Centre, has successfully obtained a £10,000 grant from the New Opportunities Fund for the 35-place scheme,

Councillor Brian Taylor, (Con-Alvechurch) cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: "We are thrilled. The money will enable us to provide this much needed facility, which will offer a wide range of activities for eight to 15 year-olds during the school holidays."

The scheme, based at Rubery Leisure Centre, will be available between Easter and October half-term holidays. It will offer a varied programme of activities including sport and sports coaching, art and design and outdoor adventures, such as grass sledging, pond dipping and orienteering, at Waseley Hills Country Park.

Outdoor sports will include football, five-a-side, girls and American varieties, netball, basketball, tennis, and hockey. While indoor pursuits will include table tennis, mini snooker, kwik cricket, games, quizzes and crosswords.

Cheryl Holder, Bromsgrove District Council's sports development manager, said: "The money will help fund the scheme between April this year and March next year, after which it is hoped its own success will ensure a self-financing future."

The grant was obtained through the Worcestershire Childcare and Early Years Partnership.

Anyone wanting more information, or to book a place on the scheme, should ring the council's sports development unit on 01527 881315 or 881316.