A CHILDREN'S charity was celebrating recently after sending its 9,000th child on a much needed respite break.

CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) provides respite breaks for disadvantaged children across the UK at its retreats in Brentor and Par in Cornwall.

This month the charity took its 9,000th child on a free six-day CHICKS respite break, since it started in 1992.

The children at Tango Camp, held at the moorland retreat in Brentor, had a busy week to celebrate, taking part in horse riding, climbing, swimming and a visit to Crealy Adventure Park.

The Ice Angel Events in?Plymouth has made CHICKS its charity of the year and opened the rink exclusively to the CHICKS children to enjoy a session.

The charity has come a long way since starting out in tents in rented fields to owning its own retreats in Devon and Cornwall.

Elanor Hoskin, CHICKS chief executive, said: 'This marks a huge milestone in CHICKS' history. This would not have been possible without the support of our incredible donors and the hard work and dedication from every team member. All involved with the charity know what a difference a break makes.

'I cannot wait to take the charity forward; next year will mark our 20th anniversary and 10,000th child. We can only reach this goal with continued support, we are grateful to everyone that supports our cause in whatever way they can.'

Mike Dovaston attended a CHICKS break in 2005 and 2006 when he was aged 13 and 14. He said: 'I can safely say I had one of the best weeks of my life.

'Through CHICKS I found confidence to be able to feel good about myself and actually merit myself, therefore I decided to pursue a career in something I have always enjoyed, which is acting.

'I went to college and came out with the highest grade possible and now I'm at Central School of Speech and Drama in London studying Drama, Applied Theatre and Education.

'I think if you look at me, I have a lot to thank CHICKS for. I just hope that this amazing charity gets to continue its work.'

For more information about CHICKS visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk