FAMILIES worked up a sweat at an activity-filled taster session that provided parents and children with the inspiration to get outdoors.

Around 100 people attended the sampler day put on by Wave Adventure, a Halliwell-based charity that provides physical pursuits aimed at disadvantaged families.

The event took place at Bolton College's New Bury Community Learning Centre in Buckley Lane, Farnworth, on Saturday.

Graham Wood, founder of Wave Adventure, said: "We got funding from One Stop Carriers For Causes – the store in Farnworth gave us a grant to run a event for local people to raise awareness of what we do and to encourage families to take part in activities together.

"It was very much a taster session.

"We didn't know what to expect with it being the first activity day we have held and we're very pleased with the outcome.

"We've been overwhelmed really."

Visitors could try athletic ventures such as a climbing wall, table tennis and archery and testing out a canoe or more leisurely pastimes including face painting, hand massages and biscuit decorating.

Mr Wood said: "There were about 100 guests, the vast majority from New Bury.

"It's been mostly all families, about a 50-50 split between parents and their children.

"Some people were saying there's usually no activities on offer for the family around here.

"The majority have been saying they want to come back to us and take part in canoe, for instance, when the weather is a bit better."

He said the day was so successful the charity is considering holding a second sampler day in the summer when it would be possible to have more sports outside.

While Wave Adventure provided most of the activities, some were presented by Sports Reunited, the community family sports project run by Bolton Council.