A FUN and fitness sports equipment  giveaway could soon be benefitting youngsters in the Tavistock area.

Designed to encourage under 5s to get the fitness habit early, the web-based Haven Holidays scheme provides bags or boxes of sports kit, especially chosen to appeal to younger users. 

The kit includes balls, hoops, cones, skipping ropes, soft foam flyers and a mini parachute. 

Last year children at Whitchurch Pre-School, which is attended by around 35 under 5s, received their pack of free sports equipment after taking part in the scheme.  Pre-school leader Judith Cotter said: 'We were delighted with the range of quality of the equipment supplied and the children love it. We've been looking out for the scheme to start again — it was fantastic.'

Early years settings need to register their interest on http://www.havenfunfitness.com">www.havenfunfitness.com and encourage parents to visit the website and leave a message of support.

Judith added: 'The only problem in getting the scheme off the ground was persuading the parents there was no catch: 'There really isn't and it's important to point this out to parents as it's such a valuable scheme.'