More than 4,000 children and young people have taken part in a range of exciting free activities over the school holidays.

Dudley Council worked with Dudley Council for Voluntary Services to offer the Holiday Activity Fun programme for children who are eligible for free school meals in Dudley borough.

Guided sessions were offered in schools, parks, museums, sports grounds and visitor attractions across the borough and the cabinet member for children’s services has shared a special message of thanks to the many volunteers who got involved.

At Baggridge Country Park, children tried out the High Ropes adventures and across the borough youngsters enjoyed sports camps with karate, fitness and exercise, indoor soft football, dance, yoga and rugby on offer. Organisers also worked with Dudley Zoo, The Black Country Museum and Dudley Canal Trust to offer great family days. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said:

"The HAF summer programme offers children and young people the much-needed opportunity to develop skills and confidence while having fun.

"I would like to say a special thanks to all the volunteers who have made this year’s remarkable activities possible. We have heard first-hand just how much the activities mean to some of our families and there can be no doubt that the hard work of staff and volunteers is what makes it such a success.

"It has been a joy to work in partnership with DCVS and other organisations this year and it is projects such as this that are the beating heart of our Child Friendly Dudley vision."

Donna Roberts, children's development officer at DCVS, said:

"It has been a joy to be involved with HAF this summer. We have had very positive feedback on the difference it has made to families and how it has helped children to regain confidence while trying lots of new activities.

"Parents have used words such as fantastic, amazing, enjoyable and fun to describe the summer programme and I want to thank everyone who worked together to make it such a success."

People can find out more about the Child Friendly Dudley vision and take part in a survey at dudley.gov.uk/childfriendly.