GAZETTE & HERALD: Children from all over Calne are enjoying fun at a summer play scheme that is letting parents have a four-hour break each day.

Between 70 and 80 children each day are taking part in the Summer Fun in Calne Play Scheme, which is proving more popular every year.

The scheme takes place every day from 10.30am to 2.30pm and costs £1.

Treasurer Derek Quinn said it has been very successful.

"We got all of the children together at the end of the day for them to tell us what they want us to change, what to do more of, what they enjoy and what they don't like. There was nothing they had not enjoyed and the only change was to have more of it.

"We've registered 70 and then we have 10 drop in places on the day for anyone who has not booked.

"We do a wide range of sports such as hockey, football, cricket and short tennis.

"We have had a specialist doing some football skills and some cricket skills with them so, rather than just kicking a ball about, they have been practicing skills.

"Our own staff, who are not coaches, take them outside and make sure they have fun and referee matches.

"Kids love a referee. They prefer it as it seems like a proper game and makes them feel important."

The play scheme, which finishes on August 20, is now moving to Priestley Grove Youth Centre.

It has been well endorsed by a host of charities and businesses and Children In Need's money in particular has brought in two members of staff who work with children with additional needs.