A SPLENDID free day of family fun and activities in West Devon has been given a boost, following a meeting in Tavistock.

West Devon Play Forum will hold a 'play day' in Tavistock's Meadows and Okehampton's Simmons Park on August 4 — part of the national play day celebrations taking part on that day.

The forum applied to Tavistock Town Council for support in staging the event, which proved popular last year, attracting some 350 children and their families to the Meadows play day.

A spokesman for the forum said: 'We would like to be able to provide fun play sessions for all ages, including bouncy castle, face-painting, music and movement, soft play, art and craft workshops etc and are currently working on these.

'We are looking for community support for these activities, either through putting on a play activity or helping to pay for one.

'We would like to invite Tavistock Town Council to join us and offer whatever support they feel able to.'

Cllr Mandy Govier, who is chairman of the forum, said the group had benefited the town in several ways — the council was able to apply for funding for the new Courtlands Road play area as it was part of the forum.

She said: 'This day is completely about play for families, with lots of activities. Last year's event was extremely successful — I think they would be happy with whatever help we can give them.'

Cllr John Sellis suggested that help 'in kind' might be the best way to support the event.

Works superintendent Wayne Southall said his department would have no problem with providing any such help in the Meadows on the day.

Cllr Brian Trew proposed that a small grant of £150 should be offered to the forum, in addition to help in kind.

His proposal was carried and the decision was due to be ratified by the council at its full meeting on Tuesday.

The play day in Tavistock will take place between 10am and 1pm in the Meadows, and in Simmons Park beween 2pm and 5pm.