It may be back to school for a lot youngsters across Glasgow this week — but thanks to one special family afternoon of fun, uniforms and pencil cases were kept at bay for a few more days.

Hundreds of young children, teens and parents from across the city’s North and East End communities came together to celebrate Playday last week — an annual event hosted by youth charity PEEK Project, marking the UK’s National Play Day.

At the charity’s home at the Crownpoint Sports Complex, everyone made the most of this year’s Play Builds Children theme.

Bursting with good old-fashioned fun, there wasn’t a bouncy castle or merry-go-round in sight at this play space.

Instead, an old school junkyard was created, decked out with messy slip and slides and boosted by the sound of the charity’s special form of karaoke — aptly named ‘peek-a-oke.’

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A powder paint fight finale left everyone sporting colours of the rainbow accompanied with huge smiles.

With family fun and the Play Builds Children theme the focus of the day, the PEEK Project team were keen to highlight the many ways play is beneficial to children and young people in helping to build friendships, resilience and well-being in their community.

Melodie Crumlin, chief executive officer of PEEK, says: “Outdoor play is fundamental for children and young people’s development in so many ways; building their mental health and bringing communities together to develop a sense of identity and belonging, making friends, getting active and fit, and becoming confident and competent”.

Special guest of the event was MSP Maree Todd, Minister for Children and Young People, who shared in the ethos of the celebration.

The minister said: “It was a real privilege to meet the young volunteers and staff of PEEK to explore all the amazing activities on offer at their National Play Day event alongside the hundreds of children, young people and families who attended.

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“Play is an important part of learning. All children, regardless of their circumstances, should be able to play in a variety of different ways, which challenge and stimulate them.

The minister added: “Supporting initiatives like PEEK is part of our commitment to make Scotland the best place to grow up.”

Local parent Claire Hendry shared her experience of the day. She said: “It was an amazing fun-filled family day. It was a great opportunity to spend lots of play time as a family.”

A member of staff from TICTACS after school service shared: “The kids loved it and said it was the best day of their summer.”

Meanwhile, local lad Daniel, 9, said: “The best thing was den-building. I only wish I could take it home with me though.”

1000 children and 350 young people take part in Possibilities for Each and Every Kid (PEEK)

activities in a typical week across 35 communities within Glasgow.