A children’s charity that aims to encourage youngsters to play outdoors has had a busy summer.

’Playing Out’ operated for the first time during the four days of this year’s TT school holidays, running eight sessions at eight different island wide locations and was attended by 574 children and about 340 families.

The scheme encourages children to leave behind technology and help them to engage their imaginations, make rope swings, use tools to build their own dens and develop new friendships.

Having completed a further 55 sessions over the summer holidays ’Playing Out’ has reached more than 3,200 children.

It is run by a charity, Isle of Play.

, has received sponsorship from Manx Gas for its holiday play scheme ’Playing Out’.

’Playing Out’ is a free to access mobile play scheme that helps children create play opportunities in their local communities.

The project is now being sponsored by Manx Gas.

This will pay for charity to help children every school holiday (excluding Christmas) for the next 12 months.

Chris Gregory, Isle of Play’s chief executive officer, said: ’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 the ’Manx Gas in the Community’ project, said: ’We are delighted and excited to be partnering Isle of Play and supporting their "Playing Out" scheme for the next year.

’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’ operates twice a day every weekday.

All ages and abilities are welcome and it is anticipated that thousands of children will join sessions the next 12 months.

To find out when Isle of Play is visiting a location near you search Isle of Play on Facebook or visit www.isleofplay.im