DELIGHTED parents have been gaining a holiday break from their children by packing the youngsters off to the -- PUB.

The particular establishment in question is a non-alcoholic bar in Farnworth town centre run by the church based Sycamore Project.

Zac's was created as a teenage bar for youngsters to attend at nights.

During the day it doubles up as a cafe for the adults and their children.

Throughout the school summer break it has taken on a new role as a holiday club for children with moderate learning difficulties.

The club has entertained and stimulated youngsters aged five to 13 years once a week from 1.30pm to 3.15pm in its community room upstairs.

Its facilities have been free, thanks to support from play organisation, SOAP.

However, this week with school looming, the group celebrated its final session with a party.

Zac's volunteer Jackie Musesoglu has run the club together with helper Gail Scholes.

She said: "We decided to do this specifically for youngsters with moderate learning difficulties because many of the children have to go to special schools out of the area. This means during summer holidays they can be isolated from school friends who live a distance away.

"The club here has given them something to do. And their parents have had a break, many meeting up in the cafe downstairs.

"This year we have taken in 10 kids, and we hope to grow for next summer.

"There has been videos, games, table tennis and face painting.

"It has been quite demanding, but rewarding.

"We thought it would be nice to end with a party so enlisted a magician to entertain the children."

Zac's on Market Street Farnworth opens six nights a week for teenagers. The intention is to provide them an adult environment in which to meet socially, against a safe background.