NORTH Somerset Council is applying for more than £340,000 to teach children how to play. It wants to hire six play rangers to supervise and guide children

NORTH Somerset Council is applying for more than £340,000 to teach children how to play.It wants to hire six play rangers to supervise and guide children and young people on how to use new play pods which will be set up around the district.The play pods will be made from old shipping containers, which will be painted and filled with equipment for children to use.The council has been working with North Somerset Play Forum, town and parish councils and Barnardo's to draw up the plans.It is now hoping to bid for £341,000, which has been set aside for North Somerset as part of the Big Lottery Fund's £155million Children's Play initiative.To get the cash the council had to come up with an innovative proposal to develop play opportunities for children.If the plans are approved pods would be set up at Castle Batch in Worle, the recreation ground in Banwell and play areas in Nailsea, Portishead and Clevedon. The sixth pod would be mobile and would be split between Yatton and Pill.Pods could include climbing walls, a basketball shooting wall, a graffiti wall and also have areas for play such as hopscotch along with seated areas.The rangers will work in pairs at the pods to encourage play as well as advising on health and safety. They will also work with people to offer training and support and help reduce antisocial behaviour.The council's bid must be submitted to the lottery fund by March 12 and if it is approved the pods and rangers could be in place by October.