BIG Local volunteers are putting a lot of work into play.

They are funding many play activities across the ‘Keighley Valley’ to encourage both children and adults to get active.

The regeneration body has already supported fun days, holiday schemes, weekly youth clubs and new playgrounds in neighbourhoods along the lower Worth Valley.

Now the Keighley Big Local Partnership, who have a lottery-funded spending pot of more than £1 million, hope to expand on their All For Play strategy to bring long-term benefits to the communities.

Member Fiona Thompson said the Partnership was exploring ways of ensuring a ‘legacy’ after the Big Local money runs out.

She said: “We are looking at what will change and what will continue. We think the play programme can build support and trust between our communities to provide the basis for real change.”

The volunteers are working with other local organisations to develop a more ambitious play programme, in the hope of attracting money from both the UK and Europe.

Big Local support worker Shaun O’Hare said the aim was to support residents in planning and delivering long-lasting play activities. He added: “This will hopefully create a springboard into healthy, active lifestyles for children and their families.”

Big Local has already begun training and work experience to local residents so they can run low-cost holiday playschemes in future years. Keighley Big Local’s ‘All for Play’ programme is led by community interest company Get Out More, which specialises in running Forest Schools.

Founder Annie Barrington said: “Keighley has some wonderful woodlands, parks and green spaces, and we are pleased to be opening these up for positive play, helping communities connect with and value the environment on their doorstep.

“Get Out More believes passionately in the importance of outdoor play to support the physical, social and emotional needs of children. We follow the Forest School ethos, enabling freely-chosen, child-led play, that evolves from the interests and needs of the participants, rather than driven by adult priorities.”

All For Play grew out of Big Local’s original consultations with residents across the Keighley Valley area.

Shaun said: “The overall priority was to provide a safe environment for play. Residents told us their children spend decreasing amounts of time outdoors. Parents find it a challenge to balance reasonable concern and the desire to let children play outside.”