A PACKED programme of exciting activities is underway in Atherton.

The Play Days Group, based at Dorset Road Community Centre is staging events with the help of a grant from the Wigan Play Association and funding from the SRB5 small grant programme:

Last week crafty kids made kites and painted glass and on Tuesday went to Southport where they flew those kites and enjoyed beach games and a barbecue. Tomorrow (Friday) is time to get energetic with sports day at the community centre with races, challenges and prizes from noon until 3pm.

On Thursday, August 26 there will be dancing, games and prizes at a disco being staged from 4-7pm at the Centre.

Over at Atherton Early Years Family and Resource Centre, nursery staff have put together a lively programme of activities to brighten up the holidays for local families.

During the last few weeks, kids have enjoyed a trip to the St Helens show, Chester Zoo, 10-pin bowling, the cinema and The Crocky Trail.

Today its the Wigan One World Multicultural Festival at Dorset Road (1-5pm) with art and crafts for children, an African drumming workshop, the Hohodza (Zimbabwean) band, food tasting and carnival parade workshop and animation.

Nursery-goers have helped make costumes.

Rounding off the holidays is a family fun day on Friday, August 27 on Meadowbank Field.

Chairman of the ABC Board, Cllr Susan Loudon, said: "Atherton Building Communities has really encouraged change in the Hag Fold area and local

people have taken that encouragement and are thriving on it."

Neighbourhood Co-ordinator Elaine Wystawnoha said: "This promises to be the best summer yet for children's activities in Hag

Fold.

"It's due to the commitment of local people and officers working in partnership to improve the lives of children and families on the estate."