MORE than 9,000 children benefited from the play schemes in Inverclyde during the summer holidays.

Inverclyde Leisure ran sessions in seven venues across the region for four weeks.

There were 1,500 more children taking part than the previous year, with Inverclyde Council funding the play schemes, as well as other activities with local partners.

It was one of a number of initiatives running, including sport sessions by Active Sports which attracted over 1,300, with 32 per cent from from low-income families.

 These sessions also provided nearly 200 volunteer opportunities for residents.

During the summer of 2024 Inverclyde Council worked with  local partners to run a range of holiday programmes which included  affordable childcare, play schemes, youth work, active schools’ programs, school transitions programmes, childcare services, community programs, and family stay-and-play sessions.

The Affordable Childcare service at Newark Primary School provided a regulated, qualified service during a four-week period of the summer holiday, supporting 35 children daily.

Over 700 free spaces were available to eligible families, with more than 450 taking a place.

Children participated in a variety of play, sports, and art activities and had the opportunity to join local trips.