CHILDREN and parents will be encouraged to get their hands dirty this summer as part of a rural play project.

Five villages will be getting visits from the Hambleton and Richmondshire play team through the school summer holidays – Scotton, Picton, Scorton, Reeth and Snape.

Den building, kite making, water fights, sports, mud pies, petal perfumes and fire tribe are all on the agenda – as well as family picnics.

And youngsters will be given a chance to pick their activities during special ‘anything goes’ days.

The Play Ranger project - which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund for three years – takes play out to rural areas where there is little or no play provision, It aims to attract five to 11-year-olds and encourages parents to stay with their youngsters and get involved.

A project spokesman said: "The project aims to promote the need for children to experience challenging play to ensure they are better equipped to manage risk and challenge in their daily lives.

"Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital to their development.

"Through play, children explore the world around them and develop skills."

The scheme will be visiting: Scotton: July 20-31;

Picton: August 3-8;

Scorton: August 10-14;

Reeth: August 17-21;

Snape: August 24-28;

For more information, call Nicole Graham, on 01609-767297 or email nicole.graham@hambleton.gov.uk