A FREE 'Party in the park' has been hailed a success with 6,000 people enjoying free fair rides, stalls, reptiles and bird of prey displays, face painting and community stands in the sun.

The Halton Borough Council and partners event also included a giant snakes and ladders board and bouncy castle, at Phoenix Park in Castlefields, Runcorn.

Cllr Eddie Jones, Halton Borough Council's executive board member for events, said: "This was the ninth annual event.

"We would like to thank our partners, Liverpool Housing Trust and Plus Dane Housing, who we run the event in partnership with."