THE mid-term break signals around-the-clock playtime for many children.

And there is a full-time schedule of fun on offer to keep youngsters occupied during the holidays in Swindon.

Bouncing, wrestling and climbing are just some of the healthy sports available next week in the council's leisure centres.

Week-long holiday camps are taking place at the Haydon Centre, Link Centre, Oasis Leisure Centre and the Highworth Recreation Centre.

All-rounder training is on hand at the Dorcan Sports Camp with hockey, dance, canoeing, netball and football among others.

And the council's play schemes are open during half-term for free and even cater for bookworms.

The council's play co-ordinator Jennie MacCready said the free play schemes give children freedom to choose what they want to do. From April through to January, 1, 194 children were regular attendees.

Play schemes are taking place in the Parks, Drove, Blunsdon and Eldene next week.

"The play scheme gets children out and about instead of sitting in and they are safer off the streets" said Jennie.

"In every session the children get to pick what they want to do.

"They really enjoy it - they can sit and read a book or take part in a team game. It is up to them.

"It gives them all a chance to play, which is good for them. It is brilliant for their emotional well being "They are able to run around and be healthy as well as learn about healthy cooking."

Jennie says that more children are welcome to come and join in the supervised activities, which include football, basketball, bulldog relays and circus skills.

The schemes, which were originally offered in deprived areas such as Pinehurst and Moredon, are now spreading to other areas, including Stratton and Blunsdon.

Elsewhere children can get climbing training at the Link Centre or practice their swing for a day at the Delta Tennis Centre.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation, said: "Children are spoilt for choice of opportunities to get active and have fun over the half-term holiday. From climbing to tennis, swimming to canoeing, there is something to suit everyone. I hope as many people as possible take this chance to try something new."

NG Kids has also planned a packed week with drama, football, trampolining, arts and craft and street dance.

NG Kids manager Kelly Cooper said: "Children need to be kept active and busy during the school holidays and whether you are looking for childcare, a safe place for them to come and play or a chance to take part in one of our one-hour coaching sessions we have it at NG Kids."