A MOBILE play scheme called Off the Sofa Dayz is about to launch its summer programme in East Devon villages.

A MOBILE play scheme called Off the Sofa Dayz is about to launch its summer programme in East Devon villages.

It is a chance for children to enjoy the Big Lottery-funded scheme at first hand.

In 2008, Off the Sofa Dayz reached over 460 young people and the record is set to be broken as 139 young people have already taken part in the three events organised earlier this year.

Five two-day events are planned and, recognising a need for activities for the 12-plus age group, a further new two-day event will be held in Woodbury with street dancing, beat boxing, circus skills, basketball and lacrosse.

More volunteers have joined East Devon District Council's play workers, Jane Sharp and Polly Mercer, so that young people will be able to take part in parachute play, circus, uni hoc, as well as arts and crafts.

The volunteers have been given free training throughout the year on safeguarding children, first aid, sports and circus skills. Funding for the project finishes at the end of August, but it is hoped that many of the volunteers will continue with Off the Sofa Dayz in future, as they will be provided with the necessary equipment to help them keep the project going. However, Jane and Polly's roles as project co-ordinators will come to an end.

Off the Sofa Days events:

WhereWhenTimeWoodbury Village (youth)23 July

24 July11.00 am - 4.00 pm

11.00 am - 4.00 pmNewton Poppleford Pavilion30 July

31 July10.00 am - 4.00 pm

10.00 am - 4.00 pmUpotteryVillage Hall6 August

7 August10.00 am - 4.00 pm

10.00 am - 4.00 pmPayhembury Village Hall13 August

14 August10.00 am - 4.00 pm

10.00 am - 4.00 pmWoodbury Village Hall20 August

21 August10.00 am - 4.00 pm

10.00 am - 4.00 pmBranscombe Village Hall27 August

28 August10.00 am - 4.00 pm

10.00 am - 4.00 pm

If you want to know more, call (01395) 571556 or email play@eastdevon.gov.uk - or just turn up on the day!