HALTON Play Council is asking for the community's help in raising money for vital children's playschemes during school holidays.

The organisation has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op local community fund, which helps pay for charitable projects, but it needs the help of shoppers to raise the cash.

Joyce Reilly, manager of Halton Play Council, explained: "At a time when funds for charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in Halton.

"We are raising funds to help support our open access holiday playschemes.

"These run in both Runcorn and Widnes during school holidays.

"They are for ages five to 12 years and provide a safe secure environment for children to play and have fun!

"Every time a Co-op shopper buys Co-op own-brand products they get a five per cent reward for themselves, and a further one per cent goes to causes like ours.

"When a community comes together we’re able to achieve great things, so we hope people can help promote our project."

Co-op members can decide which project they would like to support by going online and non-members can sign up in-store or through the website.

Halton Play Council delivers a wide range of services, either from its headquarters at The Play Resource Centre in Mersey Road, Runcorn, or at a variety of venues throughout the borough.

During school holidays, excluding Christmas, the organisation delivers play schemes for children offering them the opportunity to participate in interesting and challenging activities with their friends and peers.

Sessions run daily from 10am until 12.30pm, and 1.30pm until 4pm.

Contact Joyce via haltonplaycouncil@gmail.com or visit Halton Play Council's website for more information.