IT is a time of year children eagerly await and a period which can evoke a sense of trepidation in parents minds. The school holidays have arrived – which from a Topsham perspective means the town s annual youth activities programme is just around the co

IT is a time of year children eagerly await and a period which can evoke a sense of trepidation in parents' minds.

The school holidays have arrived - which from a Topsham perspective means the town's annual youth activities programme is just around the corner.

Maggie Butt, of Monmouth Street, organiser of the month-long extravaganza which starts on Friday, August 7, said this year's event promised to be as good as ever before.

A number of activities take place in the town throughout the month to keep children occupied and steer them away from boredom.

They include Badminton, fencing, sailing, dry slope skiing, tennis, mosaic-making and rock school.

Maggie, who worked as head teacher at Topsham First School for 20 years, said: "I embarked on this youth activities project nine years ago.

"We hope for two or three activities to take place each week. The aim is for people to either improve their skills or learn new ones.

"It is an event that parents take for granted now - that they do not need to worry their children will be bored during the summer holidays."

Maggie, who is also chair of the town's community association, said the youth activities were open for anyone aged between ten and 16 to take part in.

"People, not just from Topsham, but who live in the likes of Exmouth, Lympstone and Woodbury can come along."

Children have to complete booking forms for the activities they want to take part in. The forms are available from Topsham Swimming Pool and post office.

Places are still available for fencing, taiko drumming; clay work, baseball, dry slope skiing, baseball, taekwondo, cricket, water polo and rock school.

The cost for each activity is �3 with the exception of rock school which is priced at �6.

Maggie said: "We wanted to make it as affordable to everyone as possible especially because of the current economic climate.

"It is a great opportunity for young people to make friends and have new experiences.

For more information on the Topsham Youth Activities, contact Maggie Butt on 01392 873050.