CHILDREN in Whitecraig joined together for a “chalk play” holiday.

The village primary school’s parent council, with the support of Whitecraig Community Council, organised the successful initiative during the February break.

Parents volunteered to be in charge of the chalk each day as youngsters brought colour to local pavements. They created a hopscotch game and showed off their artistic skills by drawing everything from hearts, houses and shops to rainbow paths. Hide-and-seek and tag were also enjoyed as part of the fun. East Lothian Play Association also held a free play rangers session.

Lynda Glen, parent council member, said: “With Whitecraig being such a small village with little to do within walking distance, when this was suggested I thought it was a great and simple idea to get children out playing together.

“It’s amazing how a box of chalk can bring so much enjoyment and really show the children’s imagination.

“Unfortunately the weather put a dampener on a couple of the days, but that can’t be helped.

“I’m sure it is something we will continue to do with the children in other holidays or even at weekends, and with very little cost involved it makes it even better.”

Charly Tucker, parent council member, added: “The chalk initiative at Whitecraig was great – something as simple as a box of chalk got all the kids out and away from their screens using their imagination.

“The holidays can be an expensive time trying to keep kids entertained, so this was a great idea to bring the children of Whitecraig together and was free, as all the chalk was donated and parents volunteered to supervise.”

The chalk was donated by Thorntons Solicitors.

Whitecraig has been the focus of a research project by Silvia Veiga-Seijo, a PhD student in occupational science at Queen Margaret University in Musselburgh, within the P4PLAY Programme.

She has been working with children in the village to create a “play-friendly” community which could be used as a tool for those who work with youngsters and to generate practices and policies about play.