Whitby Park Friends and Action Transport Theatre joined forces to welcome hundreds of visitors to Whitby Park and Hall on Saturday, September 14.

Joining in the fun this year was Bills Bikes, who offered a free bike surgery, and the Healthy Living Centre made an appearance on their smoothie bike – a blender attached to a bike and powered by thirsty cyclists pedalling.

A first for the family fun day, the National Waterways Museum had a stall as did the local midwives centre, offering one-to-one appointments.

Lindsay’s small animal petting zoo was a real highlight for the children in attendance, who got the once in a lifetime chance to hold a baby owl.

Also very popular were Melanie and Angelo, two clowns who kept the children entertained all afternoon, even during the rain showers, and Elizabeth Brown who ran the craft workshop under the shelter of the marquee.

Up at the hall the family fun continued with a giant walk-in colouring book – for once painting on the walls was allowed.

The queue for a free face-painting wound through the hall as others were guided upstairs, delving into the history of the Grace Family who once lived there.

Due to the fantastic popularity of the free guided tours of Whitby Hall, the building will now be added to the Whitby Park Heritage Walks.

Among the estimated 300 visitors was Ellesmere Port Mayor Bob Crompton who met some of the delighted Action Transport Theatre Young Actors.

Chair of Whitby Hall Friends, Kathy Lord, said: “It was a fantastic day despite the weather. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had fun in the park. A big thank you to all the contributors without whom the day would not have happened.”

The fun continues in the October half-term as Whitby Hall becomes a magical, messy monster home as part of The Big Draw. Make-your-own monster and film it’s adventures.

Book your place now by calling 01606 288541.