A GIANT caterpillar and a host of colourful butterflies paraded through a children s centre as carnival time hit Dagenham. Around 70 youngsters, of all ages, enjoyed the family fun day at William Bellamy Children s Centre, in Frizlands Lane, last Thursday

A GIANT caterpillar and a host of colourful butterflies paraded through a children's centre as carnival time hit Dagenham.

Around 70 youngsters, of all ages, enjoyed the family fun day at William Bellamy Children's Centre, in Frizlands Lane, last Thursday.

Carnival spirit was in full swing, as children made enormous butterfly wings and masks out of card board boxes and decorated them with paint and glitter.

Others had their face painted or tried out the musical instrument making workshop, where youngsters produced pasta shell shakers and rolled up paper trumpets.

And to top it off, the children were invited to try their hand at some bongo drumming.

As the event drew to a close, everyone got together for the big parade. Leading the procession was an enormous caterpillar, cleverly constructed from hula hoops and a bed sheet.

Following the giant grub were dozens of children dressed in their brightly coloured butterfly outfits.

Play and communications worker, Lorraine Egalton, said the day was a big success.

"We had a lot more people come along than expected, which was great. The kids in the parade looked absolutely fantastic and a lot of fun was had by all."

She added: "I'd like to thank all the staff at William Bellamy and John Perry Primary School, who made the event as successful as it was."

William Bellamy Children's Centre has been running a range of creative activities to keep children entertained throughout the summer holidays.