Families and neighbours of all ages congregated in Coronation Square for an afternoon of food, fun and face painting.

Local police officers offered youngsters a ride around the green with the sirens on and inflatable slides were dotted around the park at last Saturday’s event.

The day was organised by a joint team of all the local groups including Southcote Alive, the West Central Children’s Centre and the Southcote Ambassadors.

Lucy Drake, manager at the children’s centre, said: “It was a lovely community event run by the volunteers among our community and the team at the children’s centre. We had a petting farm, face painting and live entertainment on the stage. It really brings the whole community together.”

With local singers and dance groups being joined by martial arts display teams there was something for all tastes.

Special guests for the day Minnie the Mouse and Tigger joined in on the rides and exotic animals and pony rides added to the mix of attractions.

Raffles raising money to help keep the party going for next year’s event were held and everyone was kept topped up with plenty of hot food ranging from Caribbean flavours to a good old British barbecue.