A PLEA is going out from Merkinch Community Centre for volunteers to help with Merkinch Playscheme this summer.

The scheme will run over four afternoons a week between 1pm and 4pm for four weeks in the school holidays. You may be free to come every day, or perhaps just now and again.

Said Elsie Normington who is reviving the Playscheme, "If you like having fun and being with children, if you like to work with others and enjoy being part of a team, and if you'd like to try being creative, then we need you. People of all ages – teenagers, mums and dads, singles, middle-agers and golden oldies – everyone is welcome to help. "Play is very important in a child's life – it develops social skills, language and communication, physical fitness and creativity. It also gives children a sense of achievement and fulfilment, builds their self-esteem, and – let's face it – diminishes the boredom which some children feel during a long holiday period.

"Just think – what play memories do you have? Were they happy memories? Did the sun seem to shine all of the holidays? Then we need volunteers to share some of that happiness with others."

And for those who worry that it is too much responsibility helping look after other people's children, Elsie says, "Training and support will be given." l If you are interested, ring Elsie on 239563.