SUMMER holidays are coming to an end and Business for Youth is looking back on its event-filled school break.

The charity in Newton-le-Willows organised a range of activities for children to enjoy over the school holidays, including a gardening club and its summer games.

Children aged five and over took part in the free events and each received a packed lunch catered by Scott’s Deli in Earlestown.

Councillor Terry Maguire, who set up Business for Youth, said: "Our volunteers throughout these games were amazing; they all worked very hard to ensure the safety of all the children in our care. 

"I am very proud of them all, particularly our Junior volunteer section with an age range of 13-18; some of the junior volunteers have been with us from a young age, where they used to attend our events and then went on to be volunteers.

"We delivered a summer programme with a huge smile, and we all enjoyed every minute of it."

The self-funded organisation started its summer activities in July with a gardening club to teach children how to grow vegetables and understand the value of the environment.

The summer games followed in August, with four days of activities.

St Helens Star: The Summer Games took place in August The Summer Games took place in August

The first event was held at the District School, with Vulcan Junior Football, Try-it Rugby Academy and St Helens wellbeing team joining the volunteers and 66 children in a day of football, rugby, and obstacle courses.

The second day was an environmental day, with David Roberts, BFY’s secretary, talking to the children about the solar system and its impact on the planet.

St Helens Star: The children also had the opportunity to be nature detectives The children also had the opportunity to be nature detectives

The 68 children that attended the second day also had the chance to build their own dens with Newton-le-Willows Scouts and admire a 90-year-old car full of artefacts.

Volunteers, along with 49 children, went on a day trip to the Crocky Trail on a coach donated by Eavesway Travel.

The final day of the summer games finished off the summer holidays with a bang, with a variety of activities including a dance competition and a tea dance at Heald Farm Court.  

Business for Youth is already preparing for its next events, with a family walk to take place in September, a Christmas Craft Club in October, a Halloween event, and a range of Christmas activities.

A charity music festival at The Griffin in Earlestown is also taking place today to raise money for the group and NADOS.