A charity which supports children’s right to play has accepted sponsorship from a housing development company.

Isle of Play’s scheme, Playing Out will be supported by Hartford Homes for three years.

Playing Out is a free play service which gives children of all ages the chance to play in different locations across the island.

The charity has worked with almost 7,000 local families so far and enabled 14,000 children to play since launching in 2018.

Hartford Homes architect George Li said: ’We’re delighted to sponsor the brilliant team at Isle of Play.

’The work they undertake spreads the joy of play and our island’s great outdoors to local kids and families throughout the community â?? cementing the charity as a true Manx national treasure. As a local builder, families are at the heart of everything we do, so we’re well aware of the positive impact that schemes such as Playing Out have on the lives and development of children.

’Hartford’s sponsorship of Isle of Play is a continuation of our commitment to investing in and supporting our unique island community,’ he added.

Chief executive officer at Isle of Play Chris Gregory, said: ’Without the financial support of Hartford Homes, there was a very real chance that Playing Out would not have been able to continue. Children’s right to play cannot be ignored, and a broad range of play opportunities is essential to the healthy growth of a child.

’This sponsorship presents an amazing opportunity to work in partnership with Hartford Homes, as well as securing the continued provision of Playing Out around the island during the school holidays. We also hope we can help inform the incorporation of accessible play opportunities.’