WHEN Bolton Council dumps a couple of tons of sand outside the town hall it would be rude not to pick up a bucket and spade.

That’s precisely what dozens of delighted children did yesterday in Victoria Square where there was many a sandcastle built before being ceremoniously trampled down.

The council-sponsored event captured the delight of not just the kids keen to make the most of their summer holidays, but onlookers keen to be part of the fun day.

The National Play Day event was opened by the Mayor of Bolton Cllr Elaine Sherrington.

There was a whole array of events organised with the obstacle course involving crawling through a tube, clambering under nets, over planks over obstacles and around bollards being the main source of attraction.

A number of large version board games, which included checkers, chess, Twister, Connect 4 and Jenga, were also being played throughout the day.

To keep the children occupied there were stalls providing colouring sessions, craft activities and children had sparkly body transfers pasted on to their bodies.

There were even fairground games including tin can alley, hover archery, Xbox and target football organised by the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust. For those who were up for more thrills and spills there was zorbing balls, boxing and five a side football as well as a guest appearance from Mickey Mouse.

Executive cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Cllr John Byrne said: “It was fantastic to see Victoria Square become a huge playground for the day to celebrate National Play Day.

“A few thousand children came along and enjoyed the free sports, games and fun.

"This year’s theme was The Great Outdoors, which was all about getting children back into play. Our event was open to children of all ages and featured activities including a giant sand pit, an assault course, giant inflatable darts and archery, giant board games plus arts and crafts.

“Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital to their development. Through play, children not only develop physically and emotionally but they acquire social skills that stay with them through into later life. Play Day is great fun and offers young people the chance to try something new.”