A ‘LIFESAVER’ school holiday club is trying to bolster its numbers over the summer holidays to ensure it can continue.

Croft Out of School Club, which is based at Croft Church of England Primary School, near Darlington, offers 8am to 6pm wraparound care from Mondays to Wednesdays through most of the school holidays.

Manager Kerry Wilford said the service offered to working parents proved to be a 'lifesaver' at times – and it is open to anyone from any school, not just pupils at Croft.

Activities through the summer include a football school for two days in July and two in August, as well as a visit from the Dogs Trust, dental hygienist, trips to fire and police stations, an army ‘boot camp’, trips to Saltburn, Hamsterley Forest and Preston Park and Museum, as well as a host of craft activities, with something different each day.

Parents can also choose a morning or afternoon session if needed, on the days when there are no full-day trips.

The football school will take place between 10am and 3pm Monday and Tuesday July 30 and 31, and on August 20 and 21, and will be run by ML Sports Fitness from Richmond.

Croft Out of School Club has also asked local businesses to help promote its school holiday offering, including the Mustard Tree cafe in Hurworth, the local newsagents and also community venues.

As well as school holidays it also offers wraparound care for schoolchildren from 8am in the morning until 6pm in the evening to help out working parents.

This is also open to children outside Croft School as long as parents can arrange transport.

Croft parent Luci Jewkes said: “My little boy has recently asked to attend the club and he is always really excited when the day rolls around that he gets to stay back after school.

“He loves playing with children, of all ages, from across the school.

"Kerry and her team always ensure that the children have lots of fun, and supper is always a hit.

“It’s a fabulous facility and we are very lucky to have it.”

Ms Wilford said: "We're a small group and can take up to 16 children.

"But we don't have as many signed up and we really need the numbers to be higher on our holiday sessions to keep this going."

Anyone wanting more information about the out of school club, which has a North Yorkshire Gold quality mark, can contact 01325-722615 or visit croftprimaryschool.org/about-our-school/out-school-club/