Dumbarton kids are set for a summertime of fun after the council launched a programme of free activities to keep them entertained during the school holidays.

West Dunbartonshire Council, in partnership with local organisations and childcare providers, will offer a wide range of entertaining and engaging activities with many including a free snack or lunch over July and August.

The scheme is aimed at ages from five- to 16 year olds and will be held in various locations across the region, with a focus on learning, the environment and health and wellbeing.

Local groups such as The Phoenix group at the Rock Community Church are putting on events up until August 12 with lunch, trips and activities such as Dancing and Taekwondo.

And Vale of Leven Football Academy are offering kids from 6 to 14 years old week-long football camps and Shine Allstars Drama group are offering Trolls and Harry Potter-inspired workshops.

West Dunbartonshire Youth Alliance are also planning some trips including one to Mugdock Country Park and one to the Go Country Water Park at Aberfoyle.

Revealing the launch, Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services said: “We know how difficult it can be to keep young people entertained over the summer holidays. Every year this is a very popular programme and free lunches and snacks are available at many of the activities.

“Our summer programme will ensure children and their families have fun activities they can do over the holidays and I’m sure these will prove to be really popular with young people, parents and carers.

“I am particularly pleased to see activities for children with additional support needs being built into the programme. The summer holidays can be a challenging time for parents, particularly when money is tight, and these sessions are an opportunity for all young people regardless of their family’s financial position to have fun, to learn and spend time with their friends.”

Families are being encouraged to sign up and there is a programme of fun and learning planned for children and young people with severe and complex needs, based at the Kilpatrick school campus.

Councillor Michelle McGinty, Chair of Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “These activities will be a real benefit to the summer calendar for parents and carers who can sometimes struggle with the cost of keeping children entertained.

“We are committed to supporting our residents with the rising cost of living and this programme means that no matter your situation, your child will be able to have a fun and memorable summer holiday packed with opportunities.

“I would like to thank our partners who are supporting us this year by providing such a varied programme of events. We are very grateful to them for their support and I’m sure families will have a great time over the summer holidays.”

To find out what is happening near you, check out https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/extra-curricular-activities/shine/

The West Dunbartonshire Youth Alliance programme can be found at https://padlet.com/working4u/youth

Spaces are limited so families are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment