THE opening of the butterfly house in Victoria Park in Widnes attracted more than 600 visitors.

A family fun day with live music, crafts and entertainment was held to celebrate the start of the fifth season.

The project is run entirely by volunteers and wouldn't be possible without financial support from visitors and groups.

Appleton ward Cllr Eddie Jones commended members of Victoria Park Environment Team (VPET) for all their hard work and dedication.

He thanked everyone for their generous donations.

Ann Bowman and the parchment group, Keith Murphy, Widnes Soroptimist, White Moss Garden Centre, St Paul's Masons, The Rose Appeal, The Rotary Club, Tangent and Lady Masons and Widnes Vikings were also thanked for their support this year.

The D'Ukes of Halton Ukulele Band and Studio Sings choir entertained visitors.

Children had their faces painted and there was a book and cake sale.

All funds raised will go towards the £2,000 running costs for the season, including buying the butterflies, fruit, flowers and heating.

The butterfly house is now be open to the public on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm until September.

Admission is free.

More helpers are needed for the 2018 season.

VPET chairman Steph Davies said: "Can you spare just 3 hours, every other week on one of the days that we are open?

"If you are 16 or over and think you might like to join our friendly team of volunteers, pop in when we are open for a chat or send us a message and we can arrange for an informal chat with one of our team leaders."

For more details email vpetvols@gmail.com or through the VPET Facebook Page @VPETandButterflyHouse.

Any members of the public, local groups or businesses who wish to support the butterfly house with a donation or sponsorship of plants, t-shirts, equipment etc can do this at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/butterflyhousewidnes or email chairman Steph Davies sstephyd@aol.com.