YOUNGSTERS with bags of energy will have lots of activities to occupy them this summer thanks to a playscheme on a Worcester estate.

A visit to the zoo, graffiti painting, and close encounters with spiders and ferrets are just some of the activities on offer for youngsters aged five to 11.

The playscheme will run at The Green Centre, Dines Green, for two weeks, from Monday.

Barbara Giles, the scheme's co-ordinator, said it was so popular it was already full.

"There will be 40 youngsters there every day with 10 helpers," she said.

Volunteers

"The majority of helpers are giving their time for free - if it wasn't for the volunteers, this couldn't go ahead.

"There should be more things like this in Worcester."

Mrs Giles, from Marlow Road, Dines Green, is currently studying an NVQ Level 3 Play Work qualification for the playscheme

She said the scheme was registered with Ofsted and subsidised by Worcester Play Council, while the other volunteers were also taking relevant qualifications.

Mrs Giles said the playscheme cost £1 a day and £5 a day for certain trips, such as a visit to Twycross Zoo.

Fun day

ARCHERY and a rodeo are just two of the events on offer to visitors of a charity fun day being held to raise money for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

This Sunday's event, at the Farmers Arms, on Kempsey Common, is one of a number of initiatives organised by Ruth Gibbs to raise money for the charity.

Other attractions will include pony rides, skittles, a bouncy castle, face-painting, target shooting, a barbecue, a pig roast and a disco.

Visitors will also have the chance to win helicopter and hot air balloon rides.