THOUSANDS of people have enjoyed the seaside without leaving home.

Free fun-filled summer activities have been hailed a huge success.

Widnes on Sea gave children the chance to have donkey rides, play in sandpits, enjoy helter skelter rides and watch magic shows.

Halton Council teamed up with market traders to run the event which offered more than 8,000 free rides.

Debbie Hankin, chairman of the market traders’ committee, said: “From the first year we introduced this event, we knew it was a winner.

“Children and parents really enjoy the fact that they can get free funfair rides and face painting without having to pay for anything other than their normal shopping.”

Vouchers for free rides were given to customers who bought anything in the market.

Clr Ron Hignett, board member for the physical environment, said: “This was an ideal opportunity for people to come along and check out what Widnes Market has to offer and have a bit of fun at the same time.”

The helter skelter booked was one of the oldest still operating in the UK. Its craftsmanship was featured in Guy Martin’s Channel Four show.