A PILOT play scheme set up for young people in Crymych throughout the summer holidays has been hailed a success.

Starting in July, the two-hour play scheme sessions were held every Wednesday afternoon at Crymych leisure centre and brought together between 50 to 100 children and their parents.

Activities included arts and craft sessions, soft play, assault courses circus skills, fancy dress competitions and toasting marshallows around an outdoor fire pit.

The sessions were organised in partnership with Wales and West Housing, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Play Sufficiency Officer, Crymych Leisure Centre, and PAVS Community Connectors after families in the area expressed concerns about the lack of play opportunities for their children during school holidays.

The Crymych sessions were a success with children and their parents with families travelling from Whitland and Cardigan.

It is hoped that parents will build on the success by volunteering and working with the partner agencies to run more events in future.

Cllr Cris Tomos said: “It was great to see so many parents and children taking part in all the free play sessions of summer activities.

“It was very heartening to listen to parents who had truly valued the service and who are now eager to keep the momentum going by looking at future events run by the parents."

Rhiannon Ling, community development officer at Wales and West Housing, added: “As a housing provider we aim to make a difference to people’s lives, homes and communities. Developing a partnership approach towards play has enabled us to offer greater opportunities in Crymych.

“I have been overwhelmed with the number of people who have attended each week and their commitment to sustain such sessions in the future. These sessions prove that there is a local need for play opportunities and we will support the volunteers in delivering future play sessions.”

If you would like to discuss increasing play opportunities in your area contact Rhiannon Ling on 07791 805 311 or email Rhiannon.ling@wwha.co.uk or Damian Golden on 01437 77 5868/07881 111718 or email damian.golden@pembrokeshire.gov.uk