YOUNGSTERS in Bolton braved the rain to enjoy National Play Day today.

Despite heavy downpours, people turned out in their hundreds for the huge play area in the town centre.

Families and friends put on their raincoats and got out their umbrellas to take full advantage of the free session as youngsters scaled the climbing wall, built sandcastles in the makeshift sandpit and played giant board games.

The Play Day is a national event dedicated to playing, taking place on the first Wednesday of August every year.

Bolton Council teamed up with national group Play Day to host the one-off event in Victoria Square which aims to highlight the importance of play in young children’s lives.

Volunteers were on hand to take youngsters through a range of activities which also included music, sports, arts and crafts.

Mum Kerry Lucas, from Farnworth, didn't let the weather dampen her spirits. She said: “The rain has not put us off at all. The kids are still really enjoying it, especially finding all the stickers and pebbles around the market. Its great fun.

“The activities are great for the summer holidays, it keeps them entertained.”

Kerry’s daughter, four-year-old Poppy, enjoyed playing in the sandpit and making sandcastles with her friends.

Playing with Poppy were seven-year-old Ashton Wrigley and four-year-old Lacie-Mae Wrigley. Lacie-may, who didn’t mind playing in the rain, said: “I enjoyed going in the sand the most. And getting a tattoo!”

Families commented on how pleased they were with Bolton Council for hosting the annual event, particularly for those families with lots of children who would ordinarily have to pay for activities to keep them amused.