An event in Welwyn Garden City that aimed to raise awareness of how beneficial it is for children to play outside was a massive success after 100 youngsters showed up.

Children and families joined Home-Start Herts in Stanborough Park to have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors.

The community event was put on by Home-Start Herts to raise awareness of how beneficial it is for children to play outside and how it enhances their development.

The event was based on the ‘Big Hopes Big Futures’ school readiness programme that Home-Start delivers.

A whole host of activities were available such as leaf painting, raft building, bug modelling, pebble painting and a scavenger hunt.

Youngsters had the opportunity to learn about colours and textures, be creative and most importantly make mess.

Home-Start were joined by an enthusiastic team of staff from Tesco, who had escaped from their office to become Home-Start volunteers for the day.

The deputy mayor also visited the event and chatted with volunteers, children and parents about what they were doing.

Strategic manager for Home-Start Herts Suzy Moody said: “Over 100 children and their families dropped in and had a go at the activities.

“There were some great creations, lots of mess and lots of fun, so it was definitely a success.

“We wanted parents to have some ideas of things to do that cost nothing, the summer holidays are not far away and it can be an expensive time.”

A spokesperson for Home-Start Herts said: “Nature provides a great multi-sensory environment for children to learn through listening, feeling, observing and exploring.”