Hundreds of Stanford-le-Hope residents turned out to enjoy revamped facilities at a 'Bounce Day' at Hardie Park recently.

The Friends of Hardie Park launched two Bounce Days this month, in partnership with Bizzy Bouncers, aimed at families on their holidays.

The fun-filled day raised over £500 towards refurbishment and regeneration of the park, already earmarked for new bins and a lawn mower so volunteers can keep the park at its best.

Families enjoyed ten ‘bouncy’ activities as well as a BBQ, go-karts, gift stalls and revamped park facilities which include a state-of-the-art skate park and park café.

Stanford resident Nikki Pegrum said she and her three children had a “great” time. She said: “It’s hard to keep children entertained throughout the summer, this was cheap and local so my kids could have fun, and I got a chance to catch up with other parents and enjoy the sun too!”

Friends Director Rob Groves said, “It was great to see so many people enjoying the first Bounce Day - it’s cheap and cheerful and parents enjoyed watching their children from the Café decking.

"Of course, we couldn’t do it without the help of the Friends Of Hardie Park and all our volunteers, which makes it a real community focused event to celebrate the British Summer.”

For more info on the new facilities, cafe and parking at Hardie Park, log onto http://www.friendsofhardiepark.co.uk/ or www.facebook.com/LoveHardiePark