A charity is continuing to provide opportunities for children to play during the summer.

In these days of smartphones and risk aversion, many believe that children do not play out as much as they should.

Isle of Play’s PlayingOut saw more than 7,000 children joining the project last year and the charity is hoping for even more children to attend this year.

PlayingOut takes place every school holiday (excluding Christmas) for the next 12 months.

PlayingOut is touring the island this summer, running 10 sessions a week at 10 different island-wide locations and already reaching over 850 children in its first week of the holidays.

The project is designed to help children to play freely without adult direction.

Children are encouraged to manage their own risk, build dens, climb trees, skid down water slides, cover themselves in paint, make new friendships and of course have a great time.

The initiative is sponsored by Manx Gas.

To celebrate their second year of working together Chris Gregory and Chris King of Isle of Play were joined by Jennie Costain of Manx Gas in planting a horse chestnut tree for children of future generations to enjoy.

Chris Gregory, Isle of Play chief executive officer, said: ’We are absolutely delighted that Manx Gas is supporting us again this year.

’We wouldn’t have been able to reach the thousands of children that we have over the past 12 months without its support and this year we aim to be even more successful!

’To be greeted by hundreds of children every day really demonstrates how special PlayingOut is.

’The presence of children playing outside is an indicator of a healthy community and with the support of Manx Gas we are creating the foundations for a healthier, happier island.’