How do Pembrokeshire children spend their free time? What have they been up to during the summer holidays?

These are questions being asked by Mike Allman from CR8! Creative Play Pembrokeshire, a locally-based company offering specialist play, training and consultancy services, to research play activity in the county.

Mike is the man behind the celebrations for National Play Day which he organised on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council on August 7, at Haverfordwest sports centre.

It proved a huge success, with over 700 children and young people joining in activities, including skateboarding, arts and crafts, water slide, circus skills, bouncy castles, kite-making, mural-making, junk modelling and sports and games.

Young people were also able to attend an Under 18s nightclub and gig at The Waterfront in Haverfordwest, and were able to relax and enjoy local bands playing in an alcohol-free and safe environment. This event was supported by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Said Mike: "Play is a really important part of children's lives. I'd like to build on the success of the Play Day and discover why parents think play is important.

"What do children and young people do when they play? Where do they go to play and who with? Does your child use any play services, maybe a playscheme or out-of-school club? Perhaps your child has made use of a specialist play service, for example, a play therapist?

"Tell me about the play services that are available and what would improve the play provision in the county."

Mike is also interested in the needs of particular groups that may face disadvantages, and which have difficulty making use of services already available.

"This could include disabled children and those with special needs, or socially isolated groups of children and young people," he added.

Anyone - parent, carer, child, young person or even groups - who would like to make a contribution, should contact Mike Allman on (01437) 766651, or write to him c/o Unit 9, Merlins Court, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest.