HUNDREDS of young people have flocked to innovative TechPlay craft sessions at Sandwell's libraries – with more to come throughout the summer holidays.

The state-of-the-art TechPlay sessions – made possible following £85,000 of funding from Arts Council England – use virtual reality headsets, iPad tablets, 3D doodler pens and robotic kits for children, aged eight and above, to have fun while developing their skills using technology.

There are free drop-in sessions in Blackheath and Oldbury libraries and are being run by the LearnPlay Foundation.

Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, who took part in a session, said: “I was fascinated to try out the TechPlay technology, and it was great to see all the young people enjoying the session. They are proving a real hit and run throughout the summer holidays.

“It’s great news that we are able to offer these sessions in each of our six towns as a result of our successful bid to Arts Council England.

“This is a great opportunity for children to have fun with new state-of-the-art technology that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

"There's such a wide selection of activities in our libraries this summer, so I encourage families to check out what's on."

TechPlay sessions take place from 10.30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4.30pm at Blackheath Library today (Monday, August 14) and Friday, September 1, and at Oldbury Library tomorrow (Tuesday, August 15) and Tuesday, August 22.