CHILDREN have plenty to keep them busy this half-term holiday thanks to a scheme launched in the summer.

People living in the Ford and Pallion area of Sunderland worked with the community development team to form an activities group, organising entertainment for all ages during the long summer holiday.

The group has been so successful that it is now permanent and organises a programme for every school holiday.

Community development project co-ordinator Cath Halse said: "We are delighted with the way the Holiday Activities Group has developed and the success we have experienced so far.

"The half-term programme will include the same activities as over the summer as they proved so popular.

"We will be putting on play days for five to 11-year-olds, at St Luke's Church. In the summer these proved to be extremely popular as more than 80 young people came along.

"The young people get the opportunity to take part in different arts and crafts activities, sports and games.

"We also hosted a number of away days for young people and families, which were attended by more than 50 people.

"So in the half term we are planning a trip to Alton Towers for a group of young people."

The group subsidises the cost of activities and funding has come from sources including the Northern Rock Foundation and the National Lottery Awards for All scheme.

The community development team is funded through the fifth round of the Government's Single Regeneration Budget.

More details about the activities are available by calling the team on 0191-567 4477.