Upminster Park was packed with happy families on Saturday as part of a special community day organised by a team of dedicated volunteers.

The Friends of Upminster Park took a gamble in bringing the annual event forward from June, but it all paid off as hundreds of people turned out for the Upminster Park funday in Corbets Tey Road on Saturday May 19 from 10am to 4pm.

Keith Webb, the treasurer of the friends’ group said: “It was a lot better than last year and there were so many people out having fun.”

Visitors took advantage of the sunny weather and enjoyed a host of attractions including roundabouts, donkey rides, circus workshops, climbing walls and a punch and judy show.

Britain’s Got Talent fans were also treated to a special performance from Hope Murphy from Upminster who made it through to the auditions stage and Molly Rainford, one of the finalists from the ITV talent show.

Youngsers also had a go at jumping as high as Peter Pan thanks to a bungee trampoline.

The trampoline was provided by the Queen’s Theatre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch as part of their latest family show based on JM Barrie’s classic.

Keith said: “One of the best things that we heard on the day was a little girl who turned to her mum and asked her if it was Disneyland.

“It was the most successful funday that we have ever had.”

The event was organised by the Friends of Upminster Park who also received a grant from Havering Police and Havering Council towards the event.

The friends group was started in 2005, to make improvements to the park.

They currently have just four members and are appealing for more volunteers.

Janet Davies, the chairman of the Friends of Upminster Park said: “We are the eyes and ears of the park and the funday is one of the things that we do every year.

“It was nice to see people out enjoying all the hard work that we have put into the park over the year.”

To join the group email Janet on janet@friendsofupminsterpark.com.