Children have taken the opportunity to play outside this summer thanks to a new Island initiative.

Isle of Play ran a number of ‘Playing Out’ sessions across the Island over the summer holidays.

The charity was supported in its quest to get kids outside by Manx Gas which sponsored the play scheme.

The support will enable Isle of Play to continue delivering the scheme during each school holiday, excluding Christmas, for the next year.

Chief Executive Chris Gregory says: “This is a great boost and we’re delighted to have the support of Manx Gas.

“As a new and small charity, this incredible donation will go straight to helping us get children playing out.

“Everyone we have spoken with at Manx Gas has been incredibly supportive and we really look forward to working with Manx Gas over the next 12 months.”

Jennie Costain, who runs ‘Manx Gas in the Community’, a social and corporate responsibility project at Manx Gas says: “Chris and the team have set up this new charity whose principles match our own core values of community, children, the local environment and healthy active body and minds.

“The reach and inclusivity of Isle of Play and the ‘Playing Out’ scheme to help the children from all over the Island, of all ages and abilities fulfil their ‘Right to Play’ is refreshing. 

“We are looking forward to getting involved with the team, not only supporting the ‘Playing Out’ scheme but also involving our staff in helping out and supporting at Isle of Play events over the year.”

‘Playing Out’ encourages children to leave behind technology and go back to the roots of childhood, by enabling children to engage their imaginations, make rope swings, use tools to build their own dens and develop new friendships.