A NEW event is bringing free trials of sports and activities to Chard’s young people to help keep them off the town’s streets.

The fun day is being organised by Escapeline, a not-for-profit organisation which was set up earlier this year, and Holyrood Academy.

The event is taking place at the secondary school, and will feature sports like rugby and karate, as well as other activities, a bouncy castle, music provided by a DJ, and food and drink for sale.

A spokesman for Escapeline said: “For young people, it is about looking at activities that they have there and if they need other interests.

“We have football, rugby, karate, and we are looking at getting people to have a trial and maybe sign up.

“We are fundraising, and then we want to get that money into activities during the summer holidays.”

Escapeline are hoping to establish their name in the Chard area, before expanding out to make sure children have adequate activities available.

The spokesman added: “We would like to get this started and then put it out across the county.

“It is about encouraging young children to get involved in different clubs, and fundraising to provide activities to help them do that.

“There is a real opportunity here for children to try some different activities and these are free trial, so they don’t have to pay anything to have a go.

“There will also be a barbecue and a DJ providing music. We are organising a bouncy castle and then drinks and a tuck shop.

“We hope to continue this annually and we hope to build this to eventually be held in all areas.”

The event is running at Holyrood Academy in Chard from noon until 4pm on June 2.

For more information, visit www.escapeline.org.uk.