ARCHERY, cooking, arts and crafts are only some of the free activities young people across the borough have been enjoying over the summer holiday.

Four-to-17-year-olds have been enjoying summer fun, despite the weather, thanks to Bolton Council's Play and Youth Service.

Daily activities have taken place across Bolton, including free play sessions in the park or in centres for four-to-12 year olds; junior youth clubs for nine-to-12 year olds; and an older youth club for teenagers aged 13-to-17.

In addition to the regular sessions throughout the summer holidays, the Play and Youth Service has organised the annual Play Day on Victoria Square and arranged special skate park sessions for scooters, skateboards and blades.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for culture, youth and sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: "Once again we’ve had a jam-packed summer of activities for young people in the borough. Our play and youth service has been out in all types of weather entertaining hundreds of children and making sure everyone has a good time.

"Some of the activities have been able to go ahead thanks to funding from our area forums, and I’d like to express my appreciation to them for their contributions. The summer holidays should be about getting out and about and having fun, and I think everyone involved has enjoyed themselves."

The programme has won over parents, who have been taking to social media to praise the scheme.

Activities end on August 26 but say council chiefs there’s plenty of opportunity to continue the fun after the holidays have ended with regular youth activities at clubs throughout the borough and a chance to join Bolton’s Youth Council.

For those aged 14 and over, there’s also exciting opportunities to volunteer for the service.

Anyone interested in helping others, developing their skills and working with other children and young people can contact positive.activities@bolton.gov.uk or 01204 338190 for more information.

Visit www.bolton.gov.uk/summerfun for an overview of this summer’s activities.

Summer Fun Programme key facts:

•Held 245 free play session, 140 free youth sessions, four skate park sessions and two childcare schemes, amounting to 1,680 hours over the summer

•Entertained more than 2,200 children

Consumed 3,200 litres of juice and 2,740 pieces of toast

•Driven 2,438 miles

•Had more than 3,000 social media interactions