SCHOOL'S out for summer and we’ve planned various events across the county to give children and young people the summer they really want.

Our four leisure centres at Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth offer the Monmouthshire Games for five to 12 year olds - 27 days packed full of fun with lots of different sports like football, netball, tennis, the Daily Mile and much more.

The games are a great way for children to learn new skills, increase confidence and make new friends.

At Caldicot Castle on Saturday, August 4, trained instructors offer the chance to experience archery while keen soccer players can participate in our MonSport football camps for five to 12 year olds at Abergavenny and Caldicot Leisure Centres.

These comprise eight days of fun and football with FAW-qualified coaches throughout the summer holidays.

Meanwhile, at Abergavenny Leisure Centre, Girls Can events take place every Friday so girls from five to 12 years can gather and have fun through sport.

Our free summer play schemes take place every weekday in a number of venues from Monday to Friday until Thursday, August 23, while skateboarders will love the sessions arranged by our youth service team at Monmouth on Friday, August 10, and Abergavenny on Friday, August 17.

In addition, the team is running a trip to Stroud’s Rush Skate Park on Friday, August 24.

Our youth service has also organised a day of fun, celebration and diversity with a free young person’s PRIDE event on Friday, August 3, at Caldicot Castle.

This will feature live performances, music, stalls and speakers and is a positive step in the council’s drive to promote social justice and equality.

Tintern’s Old Station visitor centre hosts free Punch and Judy displays on Sunday, August 5, and Thursday, August 9, and further outdoor theatre takes place at Abergavenny Castle on Friday, August 17, when Heartbreak Productions adapt David Walliams’ bestseller The Midnight Gang.

Once again, our community hubs and libraries are promoting the Summer Reading Challenge and this year its theme is Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved children's title, The Beano.

Reading can take a back seat during the holidays if children lack regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure so we’re happy to support this excellent initiative. Contact our hubs and libraries to sign up.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer in beautiful Monmouthshire.

Details of these events and many others are available on Monmouthshire County Council’s website and social media pages. For many more summer fun ideas text summer to 61211 or visit www.visitmonmouthshire.com/summer