A PROGRAMME of summer play is expected to bring more fun to the borough.

Five community centres have been funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to deliver events highlighting the importance of play in children’s lives to tie in with the Playday national campaign.

These new events, which have retained the same funding as the previous single Playday event, aim to establish a legacy of play by introducing families to community contacts, resources and activities which they can make use of all year round.

As part of the national initiative, events will take place in Popley Fields Community Centre on Tuesday, 31 July, Fieldgate Community Centre in Kingsclere on Wednesday, 1 August, Russell Howard Park (organised by Westside Community Centre) on Wednesday, 1 August, Testborne Community School, Whitchurch on Thursday, 2 August and Viables Community Centre on Thursday, 2 August.

Activities already planned for the Playday programme include: messy play, bubble fun and art and craft sessions. Separate Playday events will also take place in other areas of the borough including Tadley.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety at the borough council, Cllr Simon Bound, said: “Play is so important for physical and emotional growth, for mental, intellectual and educational development, and to help children in gaining social and behavioural skills.

“These exciting new events will promote play, interaction and whole family involvement – everyone from babies and toddlers to teens, parents and grandparents will be able to participate.

“Those who attend will meet other members of their own communities and will learn about their local facilities and resources, in addition to finding out how play can be enjoyed in everyday life.”

Play is an essential part of every child’s life and it is vital for social, emotional, intellectual and physical development, as well as the enjoyment of childhood.

These sessions will sustain children’s learning and development during the school break and offer opportunities for whole families to interact and socialise. There will also be lots of provision for under-fives and older children.

For further details on what is being planned throughout the summer period and the family activities being delivered locally, visit the council’s children young people and families Team Facebook page @cypfteam.