EXTRA cash will mean extra fun for scores of youngsters at the Brandlesholme Playscheme in Bury.

A £700 Kickstart grant from Bury West area board will allow children aged between five and eight to use new play equipment and also take part in trips and educational visits.

Around 100 local children have been attending the scheme, which is based at Old Hall CP School and run by a voluntary management committee with paid, qualified and registered staff in charge.

Councillor Bob Bibby, area board chairman, said: "The play scheme has been wonderfully successful and regularly attracts a large number of youngsters of differing ages.

"This funding will help to provide even more equipment for the children to use and will also allow a series of trips and visits which have got to be beneficial."

Activities run by the group include an art room with sewing, crafts and painting, sports ranging from football to cricket and rounders, as well as parachute, toy and board games.

Trips have been made to Stockley Farm in Cheshire, the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, the Blue Planet, and Burrs Country Park in Bury.