Leisure For All sets out to increase access to more sports, arts, and cultural activities across the borough.

A pilot of the project has included rugby, multi-sports and pottery sessions.

Until now it has been difficult for young people with disabilities to take part in mainstream leisure activities, as activity leaders often do not have the skills or resources to meet the individual needs of each child.

Now Wigan and Leisure Culture Trust's Leisure For All will see a full-time paid activities leader, three part-time staff and a number of volunteers give specialist support to around 30 young people with disabilities each week to enable them to get involved in all kinds of activities throughout the year.

Kelly Piper, from the CYPS Children With Complex Needs Team, said: "This is very much a partnership project with services across the borough providing activities.

"The scheme will break down barriers between able bodied young people and children with disabilities.

"There is definitely a need for this. We ran a number of taster sessions during the Easter school holidays and all the activities were very well attended. A real effort has been made to get Leisure For All up and running and I'd like to congratulate everyone involved." An events calendar, including opportunities to do sports such as dragon boating, swimming, multi-sports and a walking group has been produced to let parents and carers know what young people can get involved in through the scheme.

The calendar will now be finalised and distributed following consultation with parents and carers.