A SUMMER of fun is on the cards for youngsters in a Southampton estate as the SO16 festival hits Millbrook.

The six-week long festival, the first of its kind in the neighbourhood, is packed with free activities for youngsters, includ-ing football, dance, cricket, bowling, DJing, cheerleading and even a mini circus.

On almost every day of the school holidays there will be different activities taking place around the area.

The event, for young people aged between five and 24, has received funding from the Police Authority as well as the Outer Shirley Regeneration money pot.

Youth worker and organiser Marie Draper said: "I wanted to establish a summer programme for young people after so many of them complained that there was nothing for them to do during the school holidays.

"The aim of the festival is that hopefully young people will find something they are interested in during the summer and will continue with the activities on a more permanent basis."

Timetables of events are being handed out in schools around Millbrook, Redbridge, Coxford and Shirley Warren.

For more details, contact Marie on 023 8091 5426 or drop into the Regeneration Office at 47 Irving Road, Maybush.