SCOFFING crackers against the clock and bouncing the day away was all part of the fun and games organised for the community by a group of teens.

Families gathered today at Croft Playgroup in Marlborough Lane to enjoy a variety of activities, including whack-a-mole and a competitive challenge of eating crackers in the fastest time.

The event was organised by 15 young people aged 15 to 17, who are taking part in a four-week government scheme called National Citizen Service (NCS).

Another part of the programme will see the teenagers get a glimpse into university life.

But before they do that, they have been helping the community by grabbing their buckets and sponges to wash cars and help pack shoppers’ bags at Morrisons in Regent Circus.

Rounding the week off was the family fun day.

Olgierd Slowik, 16, who lives in Even Swindon, was among the 15 teenage organisers.

The former St Joseph's Catholic College student, who will be studying biology, maths and media production at New College in September, said the atmosphere was amazing.

“We are part of NCS and we have been working on a social action project and we decided to raise money for charity and we chose the Brandon Trust, which is devoted to helping people with learning disabilities to live the life that they choose to live,” he said.

“We decided to organise a family fun day as something for people to remember and enjoy and get out with their kids and have fun.

“We’ve had several attractions; a bouncy castle to selling cakes and several little games. We had whack-a-mole a raffle and tombola.

“All of the money raised will go towards Brandon Trust. This will help with funding for specialist equipment.”

Speaking about the programme, Olgierd added: “I decided to get involved because I don’t have much to do over the summer and thought it was an exciting opportunity to make friends – it’s been fantastic.

“The children just want to get out to have some fun. The penalty shootout has been fantastic and the bouncy castle.

“The weather could be better but we had some sunshine earlier but everyone is still enjoying themselves and the atmosphere is really good.

“We don’t have a target of how much we want to raise as we want to raise as much as we can.”

During the day, there was also the chance for people to get henna tattoos, sparkly sticker tattoos and their hair styled. Businesses donated prizes towards the raffle.