IT may be summer time, but the living isn t always easy, especially with young children to entertain. So St Albans District Council, in partnership with Leisure Connection, has developed a programme of summer activities to help stressed parents. This year

IT may be summer time, but the living isn't always easy, especially with young children to entertain.

So St Albans District Council, in partnership with Leisure Connection, has developed a programme of summer activities to help stressed parents.

This year's programme has been extended to provide more free and low-cost activities across the district.

Cllr Sheila Burton, Portfolio Holder for Sports and Healthy Living, said: "This is a bigger programme than ever, with more activities giving lots of children a chance to have fun and make new friends."

The St Albans Arts Team have a programme of dance, art sessions and street art with "Arts Activities". For further details and booking, call 01727 827667.

The popular "Camp Energy" starts on Monday and runs until August 29 at both Harpenden and Bricket Wood sports centres. The play scheme caters for children aged five to 15 and should be booked early. For Bricket Wood call 01923 662224 and for Harpenden call 01582 767722 - both offer a 10 per cent residents discount.

For budding athletes, Watford Football Club offer sessions at six different sites across the district. The "Onside St Albans" sessions are for those aged eight to 16 and cost 50p each. For further details call Neil Hart on 01923 496385.

The "Play Rangers" is offering a programme of free, two-hour open access play sessions for children aged eight to 13 in parks and open spaces around the district from this coming week to August 29. Play activities include arts and crafts, ball games, base building, drama and parachute games. For further details contact Wayne Philip on 07931 598007.

Following last year's successful programme, the Sports Development Team will once again be running free sporting sessions for those aged from five to 12 at a park near you. Fifty-four sessions will take place at 10 locations from this coming week until August 29. To contact the Sports Development Team call 01727 827667.

For those aged from 10 to 19 with a physical disability the Wacky Wheels is the place to be over the summer. A variety of activities will be on offer at Francis Bacon School Sports Centre for only £5 a day. Details from the Sports Development Team on the number above.

For any further information about any of the programmes offered, to find out about other opportunities or to obtain a brochure, then call St Albans Arts, Sports and Health Development Team on 01727 827667.