CHILDREN will be able to escape the boredom of the summer holidays and take part in subsidised activities, thanks to a play scheme at the YMCA in Worcester.

The St John's centre has been given a grant by the Worcester Play Council to run a play scheme for children this summer.

The scheme, for children aged from four-and-a half to 11, will be run from the YMCA in August.

It is being split into two groups - one for children aged eight to 11, the other for children aged four-and-a-half to eight.

"There are two courses. Each lasts a week, and each is for different age groups," said Mel Smith, IT and community programme co-ordinator at the YMCA.

"The grant is £1,000 for each week and children will be supervised by qualified play workers and volunteers.

"The activities are predominately for children in Dines Green and St John's."

The scheme at the YMCA takes place from Monday, August 12, to Friday, August 16, for eight-to-11-year-olds and from Monday, August 19, to Friday, August 23, for the younger children.

"This used to be called The Bedwardine Play Scheme but that has discontinued and we've taken over it and called it the Bedwardine Play Scheme at the YMCA," said Mrs Smith.

"We want children to come along, have fun and make use of the facilities here. We have all-weather pitches and a grass pitch for youngsters to play on."

For £15 a week per child, the younger children can take part in a host of activities, including arts and crafts, field activities and parachute games.

For the same price children aged eight to 11 can take part in a activities ranging from tag rugby and field sports to swimming and a trip to Drayton Manor Park.

Registration takes place tomorrow from 3pm till 4.30pm at St Clement's CofE School, Henwick Road, Worcester.

People should bring their children's names, addresses, dates of birth, school name, contact numbers, relevant medical details and the fee of £15.

For further information telephone Mrs Smith on 01905 423197.