SUMMER holidays could have been a washout for youngsters on Bolton's Hall 'i'th' Wood Estate if not for a generous gran who stepped into the fill a breach left by the council.

Big-hearted resident Rita Lilley, 58, who was recovering from illness at the time, came to the rescue when she discovered youngsters on the estate would be left with nothing to do on the long summer days after a council-run play scheme failed to materialise.

And for the past five weeks Rita and friend Margaret Bevan have been selflessly keeping scores of youngsters occupied with their very own summer school.

Rita and Margaret, members of the Hall 'i'th' Wood Residents' Association, were shocked to discover that the highly successful play scheme would not be taking place.

Rita said: "There has been something for the young people to do here every summer and last year the one the council put on was fantastic.

"It's not so much the fact that there wasn't one organised this year but the council failed to tell anyone.

"We already run a Saturday Club for children so we know what we are doing," Rita said. "We have run the club every Thursday for the past five weeks and have had up to 30 youngsters taking part."

The children have been kept occupied through a host of activities including face painting, arts and crafts and games.

Rita and Margaret celebrated the end of the summer school on Thursday by laying on pasties and pop for their young charges.

"It's been very worthwhile and the children have all enjoyed it and thanked us for being there," said Rita, "I just wish we had more time to organise it in advance."

A council spokesman said funding difficulties and problems in finding a suitable venue ruled out any for a play scheme this year - but added there was a scheme at nearby Castle Hill.

"Mrs Lilley is a member of the Bolton Play Forum so she does get regular information and is always invited to attend meetings so she is kept informed," the spokesman said.

"People in the area did know that there would not be a scheme this year but we did not let Mrs Lilley know because at the time she was ill and had asked that people should not contact her." Rita Lilley, seated, and Margaret Bevan with the children at the Hall 'i'th'Wood play group Ref: H 3632/8a Comment: Page 38 Club Super gran saves summer play scheme