Youngsters were in their element as they joined in with National Play Day in Trowbridge’s town centre park.

The day of fun-filled activities last Saturday was mirrored by similar events around the UK, in a bid to encourage children to rediscover playtime as the number of obese young people rises sharply.

Exercise was the order of the day, with activities including an assault course, bouncy castle, trampolines, climbing wall and a wet slide.

For those wanting to keep their feet on the ground, organisers from Trowbridge Town Council and Active Trowbridge put on storytelling and arts and craft workshops, nail art and jewellery-making sessions.

Some children learned circus skills or took part in African drumming, street dance, skateboarding and Zumba classes. Others tried archery and Wii contests.

Leisure activities manager Hayley Bell said: “We had around 2,500 on the day. It was all made possible thanks to the town council and a grant of £2,600 from the Trowbridge Area Board.

“We held it for the first time last year, but the funding was cut by the Government. Discussions will soon be under way to see if the town council can support it for next year.”