IT'S the season for eating al-fresco.

And when a primary school closed for the day, children and their parents got out their blankets and cool boxes to enjoy a picnic in the grounds.

Families flocked to a community picnic organised by St Thomas' CE Primary School in Westhoughton.

The school Parents, Teachers and Friends Association used funding from the Big Lottery's Celebrate fund to organised the event to celebrate the UK-India year of culture with the local community.

The event was officially opened by Westhoughton's town crier.

Bringing their own blankets and picnic food, families enjoyed a festival atmosphere as pupils staged a parade of themed kits around the school field to celebrate the free spirit on India.

Year Three pupils performed a Bollywood dance which they had been taught by North West Asian Arts School.

Linsey Knowles, PTFA chairman, said: "They performed it twice as the crowd really enjoyed the display.

"We had further dance displays with a mix of Indian and UK themes from local dance troops.

"We also offered a taster of Indian food, bouncy castles, a climbing wall, a candy VW camper van and VW photobooth, football and sports."

"It was really successful and we very lucky with the weather. The community picnic was really well attended.

"The children also got free popcorn. They loved it."

The picnic was designed to build an appreciation and awareness of different cultures as children learned about India and its culture.

The event also raised money to provide playground equipment for the pupils.

The Celebrate fund provides grants to help forge closer links between communities.