A REMARKABLE young mum has made it her mission in life to ensure youngsters are kept entertained during school holidays.

Mum-of-three Alexandra Waite decided to act when faced with the prospect of keeping her eldest son entertained on a shoestring budget during his first summer holiday.

She got mums together, lobbied transport companies and amusement parks for cheap tickets, and organised some very successful days out.

Lets Get The Kids Out is now expanding and is set to run summer schools at two schools, and a huge fun day.

Mrs Waite, 31, who lives in Queensway, Southend with her sons Nathanial, seven, Chayan three, two-year-old Malachi, and husband Domonic, said: “I started Get The Kids Out in August 2014 when my eldest had his first six-week summer holiday. I worried I wasn’t going to be able to do anything with him. I talked to some parents to see if they were interested in doing group trips. I found a coach company that would give me a group discount and started calling attractions asking what they could do for us. Some said no but I didn’t stop until I got something. I’d phone their head office if they said no.”

Mrs Waite’s forthright approach paid dividends and days out, some of which would normally cost £200 without food and travel, were obtained for a fraction of the price.

She said: “The best was a trip to Disney on Ice. The tickets are normally £56 but we got them for £16 for 60 of us.

“We managed to get Chessington Zoo to give us tickets for £27 when they are normally £49.”

The trips can have far reaching effects on struggling families.

Mrs Waite said: “I feel it is so important for children to be valued.

“It also helps to keep them off the streets and improves their social skills.

“I wasn’t able to do anything in the holidays when I was a child and it was a horrible experience.

“Holidays can be a really stressful for parents and can lead to mental illness.

“There are also a lot of young carers who look after parents so if we can ease some pressure that’s good for everyone.”