SMILING shoppers enjoyed a carnival atmosphere in Bolton's Market Hall over the Easter weekend.

Mums, dads and youngsters were entertained by mime artists, clowns and a Punch and Judy show inside the hall which was decked out in yellow and green balloons.

Outside in the sunshine, jazz and steel bands greeted shoppers.

And budding singers joined in a karaoke competition.

The Market Hall mascot, Bertie the Bear, handed out Easter eggs to children and there was also face painting.

Janet Hampson, aged 33, of St Helens Road, Daubhill, who was at the Market Hall with her two-year-old son Connor, said: "We've had great fun joining in the games and Connor had his face painted like a lion.

"Everyone seems to be in a really cheerful mood."

The event was organised by the Bolton Town Centre Company and sponsored by the Market Hall and ran on Good Friday and Saturday.

Michelle Booth, events and marketing manager for the Town Centre Company, said: "Everyone who has been down has had a great time and the atmosphere has been brilliant.

"We tried to create a party atmosphere - and some of the businesses have been joining in the fun."

On Saturday, in the adjoining Market Place shopping centre, there was also a craft studio, which allowed children to learn new skills, from papercraft and mask making to plasticine modelling and candle decorating. Rod Neasham, centre manager at the Market Place Shopping Centre, said: "The Market Place was the place to be over Easter."

Shoppers and stallholders at Horwich Market also joined in the Easter fun by taking part in an Easter bonnet competition.