THERE will be fun and games in Dolgellau this Wednesday to celebrate a new service for children and their families.

A free Hallowe’en party will be held at the Glan Wnion Leisure Centre on Wednesday, 28 October, between 10am and 2pm to launch the new Flying Start scheme in the town.

There will be a host of activities at the event, including a special appearance by Heulwen from the S4C children’s programme Dwylo’r Enfys. Other attractions will be a Hallowe’en fancy dress competition, bouncy castle, face painting and craft making.

The new Flying Start scheme has been running at Dolgellau since April of this year and provides children and their families extra support to help the youngsters get ready for school and ensure the best start in life.

Cllr Mair Rowlands, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I’m delighted the Flying Start service has been extended to Dolgellau and am sure many people will take advantage of this opportunity to come to speak to staff and officers and to hear about what Flying Start can offer during the launch event.

“The Flying Start programme aims to provide intensive services to meet the needs of all children aged four and younger in the most deprived areas of Gwynedd, preparing them for school so that all children can reach their potential in life.

“The core elements of the Flying Start programme include the provision of free, quality part-time childcare for children between the ages of two and three, better access to health care, parenting support programmes and early language and play development.

“I am confident that the families who will have access to this new service will make the most of it.”