DESPITE driving rain the youngsters of Kids Come First started their summer programme with a visit to the new Benarty Community Shop on Thursday.

Although it has been open for only a matter of days the kids had a great time using some of their carefully gathered pocket money to make a few purchases at the Benarty Square facility with the funds going back into the community.

KCF's Tracey and Claire were delighted to be able to see things make a positive start, despite the awful weather of Thursday afternoon.

Said Tracey: "The community shop is something that everyone should use in Glencraig, Ballingry, Crosshill and Lochore, so it was excellent that Lorna Bett and the staff invited us along. The kids had fun and took in a lot."

Lorna said: "It was great to see the youngsters searching for wee bargains and making their individual buys."

Claire explained that from Monday the Kids Come First full holiday programme went into full swing and will run from July 3 to August 15.

She explained: "We have a wide variety of activities for the youngsters to enjoy including several outings.

"These include Dynamic Earth, in Edinburgh, on Friday; and the programme also has a baking workshop this week and dance lessons along with a dog safety workshop.

"Looking ahead to next week we have golf and den building at Lochore Meadows Country Park, more outdoor fun, also involving kayaking, and an outing to Cluny Clays."

Lochore Meadows will be visited on many occasions as will Ravenscraig Park, Kirkcaldy; Craigtoun Park, St Andrews; Camperdown Park, Dundee; and Almond Valley, Livingston.

Added Claire: "We are fortunate to have the Meadows on our doorstep, so to speak, and it is a great venue which all the children enjoy using.

"We have been fortunate that Tracey has been able to get us 40 free places at Dynamic Earth this week, with the only cost being on transport, which amounts to £6 per youngster, a really good deal."

Kids Come First youngsters are currently developing their own vegetable garden at their Benarty Centre base.

Said Claire: "We want to encourage the kids to eat healthily and are developing vegetable and herb gardens so they can use the produce in soups and items we will be making as part of the average day.

"It will be a busy few weeks but one the children should enjoy and learn from."

KCF have spaces for 40 children and over the summer they will also be able to use the gym hall at Benarty Centre, from time to time.

Information on what is available at KCF is on their Facebook page or just call in at their Benarty Centre base, blether to staff and pick up a leaflet.