HUNDREDS of people took advantage of the weekend heatwave and basked in the sunshine at a Farnworth community fun day.

Families packed into Doe Hey playing fields for the event organised by Cawdor Street Residents' Association.

There was music, stalls, games and plenty of activities for children.

Samba group Sambada entertained visitor, alongside DJ Jaz Singh and rock group Projects, who performed cover versions of well-known rock and indie music.

Parents tried their luck on the raffle and tombola stalls while children had their faces painted and played on bouncy castles, a giant inflatable slide and fairground rides.

Youngsters also had the chance to learn circus skills such as juggling, stilt walking, using a diablo, and riding a unicycle with Jukalo the Juggler.

There were also trampolines, a Punch and Judy Show and a kite-making stall to keep them entertained.

The most popular event was a birds of prey display by wildlife group Cheshire Waterlife.

Visitors saw an eagle owl, a hooded vulture, a Harris hawk and a Lanner falcon in action, performing their trainers' commands on a large, sealed-off section of the playing fields.

Residents also had the chance to learn more about the birds with a question and answer session with the wildlife experts.

There were also informative displays by the council's road safety unit and the stray dog unit.

Money raised from the fun day will be donated to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary. Organiser Tony Brookes, who is chairman of the residents' association said: "I was pleased with the turnout and the weather.

"We have been holding these fun days for the past four years and they keep getting more popular. It helps to bring the communities in Farnworth together for a day, as well as raising money for worthy charities."