YOUNGSTERS were treated to a summer programme of family- friendly events.

Newhaven Families Forum staged its third annual summer programme with the help of a grant and the support of volunteers.

A spokesman said: “We have been able to provide a wide range of low cost interactive activities and events for families with children as young as two up to 16.

“For the first time, we have been able to offer two drama workshops with the professional talents of Hobgoblin Theatre Company.

“There were three interactive art workshops with art techniques as well as a treasure hunt family fun day at Newhaven Fort.

“We also had our first community fun day at Fort Road Recreation ground which including a range of inflatables, football skills with Newhaven FC, a children’s entertainer, pony rides and much more.

“We are so thrilled to be able to continue for a third year and offer another interactive summer programme with a range of new events suggested by parents in the local area.

“Over the last month we have received a record amount of bookings, taking more than 1,000 in four weeks. It is really great to see the forum’s events growing in popularity.”

In previous years, its events have drawn some 200 people but this year 450 people took part in the treasure hunt family day.

The spokesman said: “It was great to see so many children dressed up as pirates.

“There were another 500 plus at our Community Fun Day and all the places on our workshops fully booked. It shows us how much these low cost activities are needed.”