Children get Lost in adventure

Giants roamed the land, Santa Clause wandered the woods and Dragons rose from the depths of Parc Penallta near Ystrad Mynach recently as local children let the imaginations run wild at a special event.

These strange occurrences were all part of Caerphilly county borough council's 3 day play scheme called 'Lost'.

Children began by following clues on an ancient map they found. The map eventually led them to a secret place, hidden high in the woods where they had to construct a den. Using saws, loppers and rope, they made special panels which where weaved with leaves. These panels were used to camouflage their den. At one point the children swore they saw Santa Claus in then wood looking for Rudolf!

The rain poured on day two, but undeterred the children took shelter in the park's Education Centre creating two massive giants. They built them to look like the Sleeping Giant (found near Penallta Crags).

Eventually the sun reappeared for the final day so the children grabbed some nets and searched the ponds. Beneath the surface they found dragonflies, damselflies, boatmen and skaters.

The play scheme climaxed with the children trying rock climbing on the Crags, following it up with 20-metre abseil off the top for the brave.

The play scheme, organised by the council's Countryside Service, aimed to show the children the tremendous opportunities on their doorstep, as well as, the beauty and diversity of the local countryside.

Despite the weather the children all agreed that they had had a fantastic time, ending their summer holidays in a truly thrilling adventure.