YOUNG PEOPLE NEED NEVER BE BORED THIS SUMMER

The first ever, 'Wootton Summer Scheme', runs from the 2nd - 13th August, with a range of sport and craft activities are on offer each day. The programme's celebratory event will be held on Thursday 12th August, at Memorial Hall, Wootton - with the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, in attendance at 10.30am.

The £5,000 pilot scheme', is a partnership programme which has successfully set up recreational facilities for young people (from 12 - 19 years of age) who have little or no access to local amenities or mainstream facilities in the Town Centre, due to limited transport and other constraints.

The key aim of the programme is community cohesion and to provide affordable, accessible activities, coaching, training, team building, and platforms to recognise professional achievement.

Its introduction is also hoped to divert young people from anti-social behaviour, boredom and lack of opportunities, to illustrate the value of sport in personal, academic, health and employment achievements.

The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery & Bedford Museum has supported the scheme by focusing on Bedford's sporting heroes to mark the 'Inspired' exhibition, which was held from May -July at the Museum. The Museum will concentrate on the schemes topic linking sport, art and heritage going forward with future projects.

The participants' achievement in team building and community cohesion, resulting from sport, has been recognised by the government's National Council for Educational/Vocational Awards (NCVA) programme.

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "There are 60 young people a day who are enjoying this programme and as word of mouth spreads, it seems to be proving more popular. The programme is part of a packed summer of events for young people across the borough, which is great for them, and for parents!"

For more information, contact Wootton Parish, Cllr Paul Prescod on 07927 555525.