AN after-school club for children in Derwentside has been launched, offering a range of exciting extra-curricular activities.

Young people can play computer games and snooker at Villa Real Special School in Stanley, as well as taking part in outdoor activities.

The Real Adventure Club is held for three to 13-year-olds on Tuesdays and 13 to 19-year-olds on Wednesdays, from 4pm to 6pm.

Older children can also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Extended school co-ordinator Steve Kenna said: "We are looking forward to offering new activities for the children and it is different from school life, because it is more informal.

"It is primarily for pupils here, but we welcome children from other schools and hope to open up to the wider community in the future."

The club will organise away days that include climbing, swimming, horse riding and archery during the summer holidays.

Pleased parent Yvonne Harrop, of Leadgate, was delighted at the fun her 12-year-old son Nathan had during the Easter holidays when the scheme was piloted.

She said: "It had a great varied programme that is both stimulating and interesting.

"Children had lots of variation."