Ref. 26076-102CHILDREN in Swindon basked and played in sunshine to mark the Playday national play celebration yesterday.

Called Playday, the event, which is the biggest yearly play celebration in the country, saw thousands of children take part. Events were put on by community members with support from the Children's Play Council and The Children's Society.

Swindon Council playschemes at the Pinehurst Youth Centre, the Welcome Centre at Oaktree School and the Richard Jefferies Adventure playground all took part. Tim Lineham, of the Children's Society, said: "Playing outdoors is a fundamental to childhood but that is being threatened by a culture of intolerance to children playing in public."