Braintree Council is urging families to get outside more as part of a new scheme.

The council is hoping to work with parents and carers to organise a variety of activities in parks and on greens.

The plans are part of ‘Our Space’, the most recent scheme to get families more active and using local areas.

Activities will include rounders matches, picnics and social gatherings to get families out and about.

As well as improving the health of the community, they aim to reduce loneliness by encouraging neighbours to get together.

Council health and communities boss Peter Tattersley said: “Play is such an important part of children’s lives.

“The Our Space project is a great way to get children and their families outside and making the most of the excellent green spaces we have within the district.”

Parents will receive support in setting up and running the events as well as kit bags that provide equipment for fun activities.

The project will be run by Community360 and Active Braintree.

Tracy Rudling, of Community360, said: “We are delighted to be involved in such a wonderful project.”