TEAMS of play rangers have been enlisted by Basildon Council to help encourage youngsters to make the most of the district’s parks during the summer holidays.

Seven rangers armed with hoola-hoops, giant skipping ropes, beanbags, giant dice and balls have been employed by the council to work at parks across Basildon, Billericay, Vange and Wickford.

Set to be easily identified by their bright red T-shirts and baseball caps, the rangers will be on hand to make up games to play with youngsters aged five to 12.

Councillor Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and open spaces, said: “Parents and their children can join in the games for free throughout the summer holidays.

“The sessions are designed to get more youngsters using their local park and to keep them busy during the summer break.

“This is a great idea because it proves you don’t need a computer or television to have fun, and you can do it without spending any money.

“Our parks cost nothing to use and we hope the play rangers encourage more children to enjoy the fun and freedom of playing outdoors.”

The scheme is being funded with part of a £440,000 lottery grant secured by the council last year.

All the rangers are experienced play workers and have undergone full background checks by the police.

They can be found in Langdon Hills recreation ground, in Laindon, on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Wickford Memorial Park, in Wickford, on Wednesdays and Fridays; and Lake Meadows Park, off Radford Way, Billericay, on Mondays and Fridays.

They will also be at Northlands Park, in Basildon, on Mondays and Wednesdays; and Swan Mead Park in Vange on Tuesday and Thursdays.

Sessions start on Monday, July 28, and continue until Friday, August 29.

They run from 11am to 3pm and are free of charge. Parents and their children can turn up and join in at any time.