CHILDREN across the North say they do not have enough time and space to play outside, according to a survey published today.

The survey has been carried out by charities The Children's Society and the Children's Play Council to coincide with today's Playday 2005 -a celebration of play.

According to its findings, almost 40 per cent of the children surveyed across the UK say they do not play outside as much as they would like, with nearly 20 per cent playing outside for only an hour a week or less.

The survey was commissioned to highlight the extent of children's access to active outdoor play, which is crucial to their health and fitness.

They say they do not play outside as much because of poor play space and fears for their safety from strangers.

The theme for this year's Playday is Fit for Play?

There are 15 Playday events in the North-East and Yorkshire. More than 125,00 children will take part in fun events across the country, and the charities are urging parents, children and communities to think about how their local area encourages children to play and to lobby councils to do more.

In the UK, 50 times more space is allocated to golf courses than playgrounds, and in the North-East and Yorkshire, there are more than 250 golf courses.

Children's Society's spokeswoman Patricia Durr said: "Children in the North-East and Yorkshire deserve the right to play and we must ensure every child has access to outdoor public space. Play is not a luxury, it is a fundamental part of a child's psychological and physical development."

A full list of Playday events is at www.playday.org.uk