The young of Epsom, Banstead and Sutton had plenty to distract them this half-term with activities ranging from the physical to the educational, via the practical.

Sutton Community Leisure (SCL) laid on its usual array of courses, camps and activities at its Cheam and Westcroft centres, but with added attractions at its newest venue this year.

At Sutton Arena Leisure Centre, SCL laid on everything from athletics and football to karaoke and magic castles.

Another new player entered the holiday activity circuit this year in the shape of Sutton's B&Q store, which ran kids' camps throughout the week.

Budding gardeners were given some top tips from staff at the Sutton Court Road store on tending to all things natural.

That was also the theme at Sutton Ecology Centre, which ran sessions on what you would find in a farmyard and how to dye clothes the natural way.

On Wednesday, eight to 12 year olds from the borough were able to learn about all creatures great and small from the sea and sky, in the aptly-titled planet blue adventure session.

And down the road at the Honeywood Heritage Centre, children were kept busy making garden mobiles, mini gardens and people out of mustard and cress.

Children in Epsom and Banstead got in the swim of things this half-term and had a splashing time at Banstead Sports Centre, in Merland Rise, which organised fun sessions each afternoon of the holiday.

There was more holiday fun at the Epsom Playhouse which held a teddy bear's picnic on Tuesday for the under-fives with games, music, fun and laughter for children and their teddies.

And today (Friday) Polly's Puppets were due to perform The Lost Puppy a show especially designed for two to seven year olds and their families.

May 30, 2003 12:00