TELEVISION celebrities joined residents as Runcorn Hill Park turned red, white and blue for a royal tea party.

ITV’s breakfast show Good Morning Britain broadcast live from the Highlands Road park at the crack of dawn to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

TV presenters Richard Arnold, Charlotte Hawkins and Andi Peters greeted children who got up early to appear on the programme.

Pupils from Beechwood school choir performed as the Mayor of Halton Cllr Ged Philbin welcomed viewers from across the country to Runcorn.

A fair, interactive circus, cake stalls, classic vehicles, free craft activities and face painting created a carnival atmosphere.

A dog display proved as popular as ever and animal lovers entered their pets into a fun dog show.

Around 6,000 people joined the free summer festivities throughout the weekend.

The event gave visitors a chance to look round the new look park which has undergone a £2 million facelift, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People fund.

Extensive restoration and improvements have transformed this community leisure facility.

A new pavilion is now home to a café, ice cream parlour, toilets and information displays to mark the former quarry site’s unique industrial heritage and natural history.

Fifteen jobs have been created at the café.

Deputy Mayor Halton Cllr Alan Lowe cut a ribbon at the boating lake to officially open the modernised facilities.

The bowling pavilion has been refurbished and the former toilet block near the lake has been converted into a workshop for Runcorn Model Boat Club.

There is also an edible plant garden beside the café and a forest school teaching area where pupils can explore a variety of nature projects.

Halton Cllr Ron Hignett, board member for the physical environment, said: "It was great to see so many people there despite the weather.

"It is wonderful to see such a great facility for everyone to enjoy."

The next phase of work will see paths, entrances, signage and boundaries improved.

A park community engagement officer and park conservation officer have been appointed as part-time posts to promote activities and events.