POGO sticks and trampolines had more than 700 youngsters jumping for joy when they packed into an exhibition showcasing summer holiday activities.

The Youth Leisure Fair, held at the Perdiswell Leisure Centre yesterday, was crammed full of organisations demonstrating a wide range of activities.

Activities throughout the day included basketball, trampolining, pogo-stick jumping, self-defence, art, music, drama, sport and even a flight simulator, courtesy of the Air Training Corps.

"The children really got involved in the activities and there was a really exciting, fun atmosphere - it was like a huge party," said the city council's event organiser, Amanda Smith.

Inter-school competitions added to the excitement at the fair, opened by the Mayor of Worcester, Coun David Clark.

The annual event is sponsored by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust and designed to encourage young people to take part in activities during the six-week break.

Every child in the city in Years 6, 7 and 8 was invited.

"I'm sure many parents have heard their children say 'there's nothing to do' during the summer holidays," said Miss Smith.

"Hopefully, this will have provided them with the opportunities, and the contacts, to get out there and do a lot of things."