Record numbers of young people have taken part in the HEALS of Malmesbury summer programme.

This year saw 67 young participants take part in 20 full and half day arts, sports, conservation events, day trips with picnics and barbecues.

There were also three residential summer camps for different age groups and the charity took part in the Malmesbury Carnival procession for the first time. 

"We had twice the number of families and young people," said HEALS chair of trustees Gavin Grant.

"Those numbers have been a massive challenge, but our host clubs and groups have really risen to it as have our HEALS volunteers.

“We know the summer holiday can be a real struggle for parents with days out very expensive. So, the very positive feedback after each event has made all the hard work of making it happen very worthwhile." 

Malmesbury mayor Kim Power presided over the closing ceremony in the Cloister Gardens, where parents, young people, event hosts and funders came together to enjoy a special tea organised by Malmesbury Abbey and to applaud the young participants on their achievements.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Celebration tea party in Cloister Gardens. Photo: Liz CookCelebration tea party in Cloister Gardens. Photo: Liz Cook (Image: Liz Cook)

Cllr Power thanked all those involved including the HEALS volunteer and trustee team.

"I know how much work goes into putting together a fantastic programme like this," she said. 

"Our local sports, arts and conservation groups have done a brilliant job and so have the Abbey, Malmesbury Museum and Movies at Malmesbury. 

"A real highlight was the day trip to Noah's Ark Zoo for 100 young people and parents. What a fantastic effort."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Volunteers at the Noah's Ark Zoo picnic. Photo: Liz CookVolunteers at the Noah's Ark Zoo picnic. Photo: Liz Cook (Image: Liz Cook)

She was joined in supporting the programme by a second Wiltshire mayor. Liz Alstrom, Chippenham's mayor and HEALS volunteer, has declared the charity as one featuring in her mayoral year fundraising.

"Liz’s decision meant we could expand the summer programme to include paying for young people from Chippenham to travel to summer camps," added Cllr Grant.

"And the friendships made there were rekindled on our trip to Noah's Ark Zoo with coachloads from Chippenham and Malmesbury, complete with a picnic for 100 people."

Those that hosted events included Malmesbury cricket, football and tennis clubs, Minety Rugby Club, Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team, Jill Buckley, Malmesbury Abbey, Athelstan Museum, Movies@Malmesbury, Malmesbury Rivers Valley Trust and Westonbirt Arboretum.

Event sponsors were Creed Foods, Malmesbury Area Board of Wiltshire Council and Rapid Relief Team.