FAMILIES turned out in their droves for a super-powered community fun day over the weekend.

About 400 people turned up to enjoy Party in the Park, at Moss Bank Park, Smithills, on Sunday.

The superhero-themed event, organised by St Peter’s Halliwell in partnership with churches in north Bolton. began with a breakfast and an open-air church celebration.

Reverend Steven Tranter, of St Matthew’s, Halliwell talked about how Jesus was a superhero to churchgoers.

And in the afternoon partygoers enjoyed a host of fun activities and attractions.

These included traditional fairground games such as hook-a-duck and treasure hunt and Bolton Wanderers Community Trust brought along ‘street stadia’ and an an inflatable football arena.

A climbing wall and a bucking bronco also provided plenty of entertainment for fun-seekers, while 70 pets were entered into a special dog show.

There were dance performances from Halliwell group Boom, pupils from St Peter’s and Church Road schools, and belly dancers representing Bolton Interfaith Council.

The event closed with 50 child superheroes, aged up to 11, taking to the main stage.

Reverend Vincent Whitworth, of St Peter’s Halliwell, said the day had gone ‘fantastically well’.

He said: “It’s a fun day to bless the community, the churches’ way of sharing God’s love with the wider community of north Bolton, and deepening the links that bring the community together.”

He added: “A lot of families love it, and the kids were having a great time. One child was in tears as he was leaving the park. He said he didn’t want the party to finish and didn’t want to go home. Everyone had a really good time. For a lot of families it's a key date in their diary, they all want to know when the party is next year, they love it so much."