There were many playschemes held successfully across Mansfield and Ashfield this summer ­— and Nottinghamshire County Council funding was behind many of them.

As part of a three-year funding package, now in its second year, the council’s Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supported 15 community groups who provided summer playschemes.

Co Coun John Handley, vice-chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “We are delighted that this funding, which was agreed last year, is continuing to benefit more than a dozen community groups.

“We know that without this financial support, these groups could not offer these fantastic playschemes, which are offering exciting opportunities for children and offered parents some much-needed respite during the long summer break.”

Among the playschemes to benefit from the funding were:

Clipstone Miners’ Welfare Community Trust (Clipstone Social Club) on Mansfield Road, Clipstone, which received a £1,000 grant;
Fountaindale School Fund Play Scheme had a £2,500 grant to give specialist support for children and young people with complex physical, medical and sensory needs.
Hetts Lane Holiday Club (Sherwood Junior School) in Warsop, received a £1,000 grant;
Lighthouse Mansfield (Queen Elizabeth’s Academy) was given £2,000;
Pleasley Playscheme at St Barnabas Church in Pleasley Hill used a £1,200 grant;
Rainworth and Blidworth Detached Youth Project received a £1,000 grant.
Selston Parish Stay’n’Play at Underwood Community Centre on Church Lane, Underwood, had £1,000.