Children in Chelmsford have the chance to spend their summer holidays trying out exciting sports and learning craft skills as well as making a whole host of new friends.

A summer camp for children aged between five and 15 is being held at Chelmsford County High School until Friday, August 27.

The camp, run by Barracudas, includes activities ranging from the out and out adventurous to the more serene arts and crafts.

Sports activities include archery, fencing, volleyball, parachuting and trampolining.

For budding performers there is the chance to learn circus skills and face painting, or for those who prefer to be behind the spotlight they can take part in video film making.

Each day is divided into six one-hour long sessions and the children can choose the activities they want to try out. All activities are supervised by experienced and qualified instructors.

Camp manager, Peter Marshall, believes the benefits of the camp are immense: "Most of all the children gain in confidence.

''It's a social experience in a totally new environment and they make friends very quickly, it brings them out of themselves" he said.

Children can attend for as little as one day or for the whole duration of the scheme, although most attend for a week.

For further information and booking, contact the camp on 01245 355240.

William Thorogood, seven, on his quad runner motorcycle.

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