A COMMUNITY has come together to keep children off the streets during the school holidays.

The Essex Community Foundation was granted £1,000 of funding for a joint project between youth group, Buzz 5, and the South Anglia housing association.

As a result of the funding, eight to 14 year-olds have been enjoying arts and crafts sessions inside the Vange Community Centre, on Vange Hill Drive, and a range of sports on the field outside.

Parents are also involved in ensuring the Buzz 5 summer activity camp keeps children entertained during the six-week break.

Rob Barett, Vange community development co-ordinator at South Anglia housing, said: “To see the little children really concentrating on their arts andcrafts is fantastic, and a lot of the older kids have been keeping active by getting involved with all the sports on offer.

“It’s certainly been a huge success so far.

“We have got a good lot of resident volunteers coming along to help out and make sure everything goes smoothly, and everyone involved has been having a really good time.

“This proves community sprit is still alive andit’s great to see all the residents come together.”

The Buzz 5 summer activity camp has seen more than 60 children come through the community centre doors each day.

The remaining sessions will take place between 1pm and 4pm tomorrow and Wednesday.

Two further activity days have been organised at the centre on Wednesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 22.

For more information about activities, call Mr Barrett on 01279 712439.