Coalville CAN has been staged a Holiday Activities and Food Programme in Ibstock this week - with a view to giving local youngsters the chance to 'make their voice heard'.

The Leicestershire County Council-funded HAF scheme is a free holiday programme for school-aged children and young people receiving benefits-related free school meals.

HAF sessions offer a variety of fun activities alongside a nutritious meal.

The Coalville CAN programme was held at Ibstock Junior School.

A number of activities were arranged for the children who ranged age from 8-13 - plus one five year old!

They were able to try out woodworking and craft skills, indoor games and food preparation as part of their time at the school.

Deana Bamford, of Coalville CAN, said: 'It gives families a place to take their children so that they can get occupied in the activities.

"Some of them are a bit shy at first, but they soon get involved and let us know what they want.

"We hope it's something we can do during the school holidays. Families can contact us and arrange to leave them children with us, we're all qualified and very approachable, there's no 'sir' or 'miss' here.

"We want to teach children skills and also given them healthy meals.

"Thanks to all the team that are supporting this to happen! Making memories for a lifetime."

But she added that activities as differing as metal detecting, painting and chess, have all been part of the Ibstock programme.

Deana also works with volunteers from Coalville CAN who help the children during the day.

Julie Norley, a former drama teacher, and Sue Hibbert are part of the CAN team.

Sue said: "At Ibstock this week, we hope we've been able to to show children some of the skills that can carry them through life.

"It's been a very rewarding experience, especially when the children clearly enjoy it. You can see some who are not sure at first, but they soon get involved."

Julie is also involved in a scheme at Coalville CAN's offices in Marlborough Square which sees youths being invited to take part in activities and - hopefully - get them off the streets.

She said: It's all about children 'finding their voice', we want to know what they're good at and what interests them, then bringing it out.

"If they are causing trouble in the town, and we can do something to take them away from that, then we've done a good job."