AN innovative “Quid-a-kid” scheme is aiming to get young people from disadvantaged areas involved in sport.

The initiative, set up by the Flower Estate Residents Association in Farnworth, funds free activities for children at Harper Green Community Leisure Centre.

A fun day — which saw youngsters trying out rock climbing — was held on Saturday to help raise awareness of the scheme.

James Storey, duty manager at Harper Green Leisure Centre, co-organised the event.

He said: “This event is a great way of uniting the community and getting them doing things they wouldn’t normally do.

“We want to raise awareness of what the leisure centre is doing for the community and tackle anti-social behaviour by getting kids off the streets.”

The centre hosts free activities for children aged eight to 16 — funded by the residents association’s Quid-a-kid scheme.

Activities which would normally cost a pound per child are available for free.

Pat Duckworth, chair of the association, co-organised the event with Mr Storey.

She said: “I’m very excited to have these youngsters here. We need more people to join our association and we need to make more young people aware of Quid-a-kid, which is why we organised the event.” Youngsters had their faces painted and played on a bouncy castle.

There were also animals on show, including an alpaca, goats, a pony and a piglet, while Bolton Wanderers mascot Lofty Junior also paid a visit.

The Mayoress of Bolton Gay Wharton added: “It’s brilliant to see the kids’ faces. This event will bring everyone together and it’s been a real team effort.”

Through the Quid-a-kid scheme, youngsters have learned football skills from members of the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust as part of the nationwide Kickz programme, which aims to engage young people from disadvantaged areas with sport.