longer this year.

Organisers also plan to employ many university students to help run the camps.

This would put much-needed cash in the pocket and give them credit hours for graduation.

The news is welcome following uncertainty over the cost-cutting by Government.

Yesterday Youth & Sports Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon, announcing the day camps reprieve, said: "We are here to bring comfort to everyone.'' She said it was hoped to extend the day from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m., with a slightly additional cost.

"Parents can feel very comfortable to know that their children will be safely looked after as usual by our ministry staff or people that work for us during the summer programme.

"One of the good things I would like to add to that is that this year we have taken on, or our intention is to take on, a large number of university students to assist them in these tough economic times.'' Sen. Gordon said this would help students financially and give them credit hours they need for graduation.

"So it's a two-fold purpose and we're hoping to do much more of this in the future.''