THOUSANDS descended on the annual Victoria Park Experience (VPX) with organisers announcing the event as a record-breaking year.

VPX returned to the town in August with 5,100 children making good use of the free event and enjoying the range of activities.

From rock climbing to face painting, there was plenty to keep youngsters entertained and give their parents a break during the summer holidays.

The annual four day event, which was set up by PCSOs Tom Reid and Tony Spruce, is now in its eighth year and was launched to give young people the opportunity to try different activities.

The event, which was attended by around 4,000 young people and their families last year, also aims to break down barriers between the police and youngsters.

VPX was originally launched to help to tackle anti-social behaviour problems and, since then, has continued to go from strength to strength.

PCSO Spruce said the event would not have been a success without the help of the volunteers, who gave up their spare time to ensure it was ‘the best yet’.

He said: “It was a great event and we are happy that we beat last year’s numbers.

“I say it each year but it was the best one yet.

“I will leave it a couple of weeks before I start planning for next year’s.”

Generous members of the public also helped volunteer Kerrie-Ann Ellison to raise £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 28-year-old from Kingsway South braved the shave to raise money for the charity which is close to her heart.

After seeing her family experience the devastating effects of cancer, the Co-Operative worker was inspired to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust.

This was also the first time VPX was run as a smoke-free event with the decision welcomed by many parents.

The aim of the Smokefree Summer campaign was to protect children by reducing their exposure to people who smoke.