A YOUTH charity has launched a free summer arts programme for children in Johnstone and Linwood.

Activities will include workshops in everything from circus skills to ceramics and there will also be day trips to the likes of Lapwing Lodge.

The fun is being delivered by CREATE Paisley, with funding provided by the National Lottery Awards for All scheme, Children in Need and donations from local residents and businesses.

Starting on July 7, activities will be on offer every Thursday for six weeks and are aimed at those aged from 12 to 18.

Celia Maclean, CREATE’s fundraising and marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer a fantastic free summer of creative fun for young people in Linwood and Johnstone.

"We will also be launching weekly CREATE Cafe drop-in sessions for the first time in Johnstone at Station 7, in partnership with Active Communities. These will be based on successful cafes in Paisley and will be held weekly on Thursday evenings, from 6pm to 8pm, throughout the summer."

Nicola Ferguson, CREATE’s youth development worker, added: “I would encourage young people in the Linwood and Johnstone communities to sign up for a summer of fun with us.

"You can join with friends or come along and make new ones. We are a welcoming group and look forward to meeting some new young people and seeing some familiar faces for some creativity outdoors.”

Spaces are limited, so youngsters are asked to register as soon as possible by visiting www.createpaisley.org.uk.