Children have a field day

RAIN couldn t dampen the spirits of hundreds of children at an annual fun day in the park. KidsOut Day, organised by Barking Rotary Club, saw special needs pupils and their carers from East and North East London head to Barking Park on Wednesday. The umbr

RAIN couldn't dampen the spirits of hundreds of children at an annual fun day in the park.

KidsOut Day, organised by Barking Rotary Club, saw special needs pupils and their carers from East and North East London head to Barking Park on Wednesday.

The umbrellas were up but there were smiles all around as the children tried the funfair rides, jumped on the bouncy castle, rowed on the lake and had their faces painted.

But it didn't stop there. All the kids were also invited to a special viewing of the spectacular Santus Circus that pitched up in town last week.

And for the teachers and carers, Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum set up a health check tent, where adults could check their weight and blood pressure for free.

It was the tenth year that Rotary had run the event, and each year it grows.

Rotary member and one of the organisers, Dave Burns, told the POST: "It started as quite a small event, but every year more people ask if they can come along."

He added: "The kids love it. And it doesn't matter what the weather is like. They have a marvellous time, even if it's pouring."

Nine pupils from Trinity School, in Heathway, Dagenham, were among those who enjoyed themselves.

Their teacher, Karon Nichols, said: "This was the first time the children had been to the event, and they have all been very excited about it. They especially enjoyed the bouncy castle and the face painting.

"I've been here a few times and the organisers always do a fantastic job."

Rotary were given a helping hand on the day by their opposite numbers in Dagenham and Redbridge.