A COMMUNITY group from Malmesbury are looking to give children less fortunate the holiday of a lifetime this summer.

HEALS of Malmesbury, a charitable group that works with vulnerable people in the community, are raising money to take 16 local children to Somerset for a summer break.

At the camp they will enjoy an action-packed week of fun activities including a day at a Crealy Theme Park.

HEALS general manager, Alison Cross-Jones, is behind the project. She wants to give children from less well-off backgrounds the chance to enjoy the summer like any other child.

“Many children and young people are disadvantaged by disability, poverty and by the things they've witnessed, or are simply lonely in the isolated locations they live in,” she said.

“This is especially true when the school holidays come around, particularly the long summer one.

“Too many children and young people return to school to listen to stories from friends about the holidays they've enjoyed while having no such stories for themselves.

“In Malmesbury and our surrounding villages there are many families with children and young people who face this situation.

“These camps are more than just having fun; they are an excellent way of raising self-esteem and making friends and so much more.”

A total of £3,350 needs to be raised to make the dream become a reality.

Parents will be asked to also make a modest contribution towards the cost of the camp and transport however HEALS are appealing to businesses and residents for sponsorship.

“We need to raise these funds as soon as possible,” continued Alison.

“If the money isn't there then the holiday isn't likely to go ahead. So local children and young people's dreams may be dashed.

“No matter how small your contribution may be, please make it as ever little helps.”

To identify the children and young people to come to these camps, HEALS will be working with a range of local charities and organisations, schools and statutory partners.

The trip will be supervised by appropriately qualified and DBS/CRB checked adults.

To donate to the project visit gofundme.com/heals-sumcampfund

To recommend someone, aged between 10 and 14, for the trip, call HEALS on 01666 238100.