CHILDREN from across Torfaen were able to get out of the house over the Christmas holidays with the winter provisions put on by Torfaen Play Service.

More than 100 children attended the winter activities provision at Cwmbran Stadium and a further 24 children registered for the morning respite session for children with disabilities and their siblings at Greenmeadow and St Dials Community Hall, with 22 attending the afternoon sessions.

Play Service manager Julian Davenne said: "What a fantastic three days we had for the children for Torfaen, the numbers excelled what was expected.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their spare time to support the children to have a safe staffed environment for the children to play in over the Christmas period.

"Well done all."

Kirsty Worth, site supervisor at Greenmeadow and St Dials Community Hall, said: “We have between 20 to 25 children here per session, with sessions in both the mornings and the afternoons.

“The parents are really appreciative of the additional support that we are able to give through the service.

“The volunteers all love it. It’s really rewarding working with the children for a period of time and building up a relationship. Its lovely to see them thrive."

Ten-year-old Jessica Owen said: "If we weren’t here, we’d be at home on our phones. This is a lot more fun. The play leaders are really great and so helpful."

Marcella Thomasulo, 10, added: "It’s nice to meet up with our friends, and we get to make new friends."

11-year-old Eve Wilmott-Smith said: The play leaders are great. If anyone’s upset, they will cheer them up and make them laugh.

"Everyone is all different ages, so we get to help out the younger ones. We all want to be play leaders."

Charlotte Spiletti, nine, said: "It’s really fun. We have all been to the sessions before. In the summer we did dance battles. It’s free and there’s something for everyone."

Nine-year-old Imogen Silczny added: "It’s good for our parents too when they have got work. The play leaders are great, they look after us and make all the activities fun."

Cllr Mandy Owen, executive member for children and young people at Torfaen Council, said: "It was a pleasure to visit both sites to see the smiling faces on the children and how much they were getting out of the activities.

"I'm extremely impressed with the disability site, the support and the dedication given from the volunteers and the workers to make sure the children had a fun time."