CHILDREN kicked, jumped and boxed their way into the summer holidays at a special sports day in Bolton town centre.

Sport on the Square, which runs until Friday, is organised by Bolton Council's Sport and Active Living Service.

Sports such as boxing, football, rollerblading, basketball, table tennis and gymnastics were among the activities for children to try, with bikes and a climbing wall coming later in the week.

Lynda Jones who was at the event in Victoria Square with her daughter Ellee, aged seven, from Deane, said: "It is brilliant.

"We came last year and it was really good then too. Ellee loves it.

"She has just got skates for her birthday so it is good practice for her."

Free wristbands are available on the square for youngsters who want to take part in the activities, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Jack Richardson, aged six, was with his mum Victoria Glover, and tried his hand at boxing.

Miss Glover, of Little Lever, said: "I think it is a brilliant thing for children to do in the summer and it encourages them to get into sport.

"There isn't a big enough variety of sports in schools so this is great for them to try new things."

A council spokesman said: “Once again we have the very popular Sport on the Square event offering a variety of free, family-friendly activities over three days.

"There’s loads of things to do and new activities to try, such as zorb football, an inflatable air track and boxing.

"The free wristband allows entry on all three days and there will be something different to see each time.

"There are also lots of prize giveaways too, so it’s well worth a visit.”

Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #sportonthesquare in any photos they take, which may then be used on the Sport in Bolton Facebook and Twitter pages.