FLINTSHIRE'S summer play schemes have kicked off for another summer of fun.

On Monday, hundreds of children across the county were able to enjoy some fun activities to keep them occupied and active whilst they are away from school with the return of the council-run play schemes.

Examples of this taking place include QuayPlay - the longest-running play scheme in Flintshire that is based in Connah’s Quay.

Cllr Paul Shotton, representing the Golftyn area of Connah’s Quay, told the Leader how the scheme has been running for almost 40 years in the town.

He said: “It is great to see that children are out and getting active with these play schemes. A lot of children are making the most of the activities on offer and still being in contact with their friends face-to-face.

“It can be hard to draw them away from modern technology and it can be a simple solution for busy parents to keep them occupied but it is nice to see kids just being kids.”

Following on from last year’s success, Flintshire County Council and its partners have joined forces with “Can Cook” to continue the “Share Your Lunch” programme which will aim to provide around 800 meals a day over the six week summer holiday period to play schemes throughout Flintshire.

Cllr Ian Roberts, Flintshire County Council’s cabinet member for education and youth, said: “In Flintshire, we are very proud of our summer play schemes which provide children with the opportunity – the time, space and permission - to play out locally, meeting up with old friends and making new ones.”

He adds that, in 2018, 3,901 children attended the play schemes which take took place throughout the County, which proved the schemes were another huge success.

In all this summer, there will be 56 site locations, either morning or afternoon, across the county delivered for three, four, five or full six weeks of the summer holidays.

The sessions are for children aged between 5 and 12 years and up to 15 years for children with disabilities. Younger children are welcome to attend with a parent, grandparent or carer.

Parents and carers will need to complete a general consent form for the play schemes and present them when registering your child at their first visit.

For further details, contact the Flintshire Play Development Team on 01352704155.