CIRCUS skills, face painting, drum banging - and cross-dressing - were just some of the activities youngsters took part in at a summer play scheme.

It was the first time the Saddlers Play Scheme had run at The Fairfields Centre, Elbury Mount, Brickfields.

To celebrate the last day of the two-week scheme, the youngsters, aged eight to 11, dressed up as members of the opposite sex.

Mum Debbie Handy, whose three children attended, said the staff had been fantastic.

"The girls dressed as boys and the boys dressed as girls because they were asked what they wanted to do to improve their confidence," said the 34-year-old, of Blackpole, Worcester.

"My children have thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff have done so well they deserve a bit of praise."

Sharon McDonough, play scheme co-ordinator and mum-of-three, said the scheme was partly funded through the Play Council, CAP (Community Around The Park) and families of youngsters on the scheme.

"Families paid £15 a week for their youngsters to come along," said the 31-year-old, of Leckhampton Close, Warndon.

"A company called Drum Loving came along and youngsters got to bang on big drums and make lots of noise.

"We also took the youngsters on a trip to Telford Park.

"My children came on the scheme and they loved it.

"When we go for it next year we will try and raise some money of our own and do it for an extra week."