PLANS to enlarge the play facility for children got a big boost as Garway held its annual fun day.

The community event on the common was opened by Sam Weale, who had recently completed the Marble Arch to Arc de Triomphe Triathlon – dubbed the hardest triathlon in the world - and was welcomed to the fun day by being serenaded by the Pye brothers playing Chariots of Fire on a range of brass instruments.

Sam, a member of the MonRoss-trailblazers running club, said: “I’m here as an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which helps people suffering from that condition. It is the charity that I rode the triathlon for.

“It lived up to its name of being the hardest in the world. I ran from London to Dover, over 80 miles, swam the channel to France and then cycled the 181 miles to Paris in just over 74 hours.

“The challenge has been ongoing since 2001, and I was the 63rd person to complete it. However, it gives me great pleasure, being a near neighbour, that I declare this fun day open.”

Among the attractions was a welly wanging competition, giant football and a hobby horse gymkhana.

The event also featured the ‘Singing Tree’ ensemble and the entertainment continued with Tot o’ Grog with their renditions of Irish and folk songs.

A special performance of the Cancan was performed by the Garway Spice Girls.

The dog show and utility classes were also very popular.

Organiser Sue Thomas said: “The Fun Day was amazing, and I was delighted that so many people attended and enjoying themselves so much. It was lovely to see the community get together to produce such a fabulous event.”

“The finances haven’t been worked out yet but I’m pretty sure it was successful and will go some way to creating a playground for older children on Garway Common.”