A SUMMER holiday scheme by OCRA (Okehampton Community Recreation Association) is the busiest ever this year with between 70 and 100 children taking part in each activity day. Holiday scheme leader Sue Doidge said she was absolutely thrilled that activities from sport and art days, woodland adventures and reading projects were benefitting so many children, both from Okehampton and the surrounding villages. She said: ?The first day we had 98 children which is the busiest we have ever been. We see some children come back year after year but we have also seen some new faces this year which is great.? At £7 a day, Sue said the scheme remained affordable for local families. OCRA has been successful in gaining funding for its holiday playschemes over the past decade but the increasing popularity has resulted in additional funding and activities as the years have gone on. The summer reading project, where children are encouraged to continue reading through the school holidays with storytelling sessions, free books and theme days, is one of only 41 projects across the country and the only one in Devon. Last week, renowned storyteller Clive Pig spent the day with the children. The days run from 10am to 3pm and children from the age of six can take part. This year there are six sport camps, eight sport and art days and a tennis day amongst other activities. From the holiday playscheme many youngsters go on to join clubs in the town which are also supported by OCRA.
