A FORMER school playing field was turned into an intimate village green of celebration by an enthusiastic team of volunteers.

The go-getting Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group pulled together a dazzling selection of stalls and entertainment for their annual Family Funday.

The event saw scores throng Dawson’s Field on the A62 at Scouthead to share the sunshine and a packed programme of fun and frolics.

Joan Sykes, the group’s chair, said: “It’s been a marvellous team effort and everyone really loved the day. In fact some visitors wanted to stay on the field long after the event ended.

“It was a fabulous family day out with no entrance fees. We had a food and drink ice cream stalls, families could bring their own picnics too.

“And we even had a range of strategically placed straw bales creating a homely, country-style environment where families relaxed under lazy blue skies having a really inexpensive day out with some activities provided free by the community group.”

Children’s pleasures ranged from a multi-purpose activity centre, complete with bouncy castle and slides to cue ball crazy, an exciting interactive game testing the skills of young pool players.

And other youngsters worked with clay and other natural materials to build a range of life-like imitation bugs.

Old fashioned elements included a coconut shy, tombola, a balls in the bucket game and the chance to guess the weight of a handcrafted cake donated by Lesley Knotts the chairman’s lady of Saddleworth Parish Council.

Two community assets - He Sheds and She Sheds - offered a wide selection of handmade crafts and a range of furniture and garden accessories.

And Cllr Barbara Beeley was presented with a special bouquet by Mrs Sykes in recognition of launching the funday concept 11 years ago.

“It’s nice to be recognised,” she said. "I’m delighted it’s so popular in the community.”

Members of Saddleworth Youth Council helped the community group and backed officers and volunteer police cadets who gave visitors an insight into how police vehicles were deployed and safety tips by GMP’s neighbourhood policing team.

And mayor CllrJavid Iqbal and mayoress Tasleem Akhtar shared the day which also included a performance by the Oldham 3A ukulele group kept the summery theme alive with catchy singalong tunes.