NEWTON Poppleford and Woodbury youngsters are to benefit from the expertise of two play leaders who will set up and run fun activities. The district council has used some of its grant from the Big Lottery Children's Play Programme Fund to appoint mobile p

NEWTON Poppleford and Woodbury youngsters are to benefit from the expertise of two play leaders who will set up and run fun activities.The district council has used some of its grant from the Big Lottery Children's Play Programme Fund to appoint mobile play workers Jane Sharp and Polly Mercer who will organise activities for children aged between seven and 15. The two villages are among 10 from across East Devon chosen to benefit from the scheme. Volunteers from the community are being offered free training to help with the project - which could help take those interested into a play leadership career.Anyone coming forward can expect to learn environmental art skills such as willow making, den building and making fires, as well as performance, music and sports activities.An East Devon District Council spokesman said the activities had been designed to promote the positive use of Newton Poppleford and Woodbury play spaces."The two play workers are introducing a mobile scheme which will take play skills, play kit, and expertise out to these villages, helping communities to run their own events," said the spokesman. "The play workers will be on hand to encourage and support local people to have more involvement in the creative use of the spaces available in their communities for the benefit of children and young people. The project is funded for two years."The district council said anyone volunteering to work on the project would gain hands-on experience of working in the play environment. "They will each receive a certificate recognising their achievements and will gain valuable experience in working with young people in a play environment," added the spokesman. "Central Government recognises that play is an important part of child development and there are now many opportunities for a career in play work." l Jane and Polly would like to hear from anyone who is interested in getting involved in the project. Contact them at East Devon District Council on (01395) 571556.