Sports trust Freedom Leisure is to manage an outreach programme which will bring a range of play activities to young people, thanks to a grant of £237,000 to Wealdon District Council from the Big Lottery Fund.

A dedicated minibus will take a selection of equipment to playing fields, village halls and schools in rural towns and villages throughout Sussex from this autumn.

Children will be able to benefit from a mobile skate park and portable activity wall with computer game technology, as well as drama workshops. The activities will be designed to appeal to families with children of all ages and abilities.

Speaking about the grant, Councillor Margaret Kirkpatrick said: “This is wonderful news, it means our Play Portfolio scheme can take to the road and bring a range of free play opportunities to the children and young people in some of our smallest villages.”

“While working on our play strategy it became clear how children were not getting many opportunities to play independently with each other in a safe but stimulating environment,” added Helen Markwick, Wealden’s Cultural Services Manager.

“Play is not only exercise for the body and the imagination but offers children the chance to learn about social behaviour. We are very grateful to the Big Lottery Find for providing this boost to the lives of Wealden’s young people.” Details: www.freedom-leisure.co.uk