PARENTS across Preston will be relieved to hear a popular playscheme is to re-open in time for the Easter school break.

The University of Central Lancashire is providing a healthy alternative to video games and surfing the net by promoting its playscheme which takes place at Preston Sports Arena.

More than 900 children took part in last summer's extremely successful playscheme, taking advantage of the outstanding outdoor facilities on offer at the arena on Tom Benson Way in Cottam.

The scheme provides various sports activities as well as organising coaching for children and young teenagers aged from eight to 14 with the emphasis on outdoor fun.

It will run from Monday April 9 to Thursday April 12 and from Tuesday 17 April to Friday April 20, from 10am to 3pm.

At a cost of just £6 a day or £20 for the whole week, children will have the opportunity to take part in football, tennis, kwik cricket, rounders, athletics, rugby, hockey and netball.

There is also a two-day Get Set Cycling course to teach children cycling safety and skills.

Keen footballers can also book on to one of two junior football coaching sessions on Wednesday April 11 and Wednesday April 18.

Sports supervisor Andy Hopkins said: "Not only does the scheme provide a solution to the age-old problem of keeping the children entertained during the Easter school break, but it also involves them in outdoor, sporty activities which will help keep them fit and healthy."

All the staff at Preston Sports Arena are fully qualified and all equipment is provided, except cycles and helmets.

To find out further details about the scheme and to book places on it you should call 01772 761000.