THE sights and sounds of Australia and Africa filled Stretford Mall as children enjoyed workshops in digeridoo making and animal face-painting, as part of a global themed series of free summer events.

The activity session was part of the Passport to Summer series that is taking young shoppers on a world tour during the school holidays - with a chance to win a family holiday too.

First in line to sample the delights of Australia yesterday was mum Lisa O’Donnell of Flixton who took along her five children, Darcy, five, Harriett, nine, Lottie, 11, Madison, 12, and Olivia 13.

Lisa, a full-time mum, said: “The girls have made some digeridoos and Darcy and Harriett have both had their faces painted. Darcy has a butterfly face and Harriett’s a rainbow tiger.

“They have had a fantastic time and really enjoyed themselves. It’s wonderful they put these events on and the fact they are free is absolutely fabulous.

“Keeping children occupied in the summer holidays can be a nightmare and very expensive so craft sessions and activities such as this are very welcome indeed.”

She added: “Stretford Mall deserve credit for arranging activities such as this. The girls have enjoyed it immensely. We weren’t aware it was on when we came down but I’m so glad we found it.”

Madison O’Donnell, 11, said: “It’s been really good. We have made and decorated digeridoos and had a lot of fun. We have all enjoyed it.”

Harriett, nine, agreed adding: “I’ve really enjoyed it especially the face painting which is really good.”

Aileen Aherne, a Manchester Royal Infirmary nurse, took along her three children, Aiden Owen, two, Allanah Owen, six, and Aaron Owen, four, who all had a great time.

Aileen said: “We really weren’t expecting it to be this good the children have thoroughly enjoyed it, especially getting messy as kids do."

“The fact it is totally free is a real bonus and they are all enjoying a free lollipop after getting enough stamps in the passports.

“We will definitely be looking out for more events like this at Stretford Mall in the future. It’s been a great way to pass a couple of hours and the children have been really engaged with the whole event.”

For four consecutive Thursday’s throughout August visitors have had the chance to l be transported around the globe to countries such as China, Australia, Italy, Africa, America and Brazil with the chance to make Chinese lanterns and practise the didgeridoo, among other activities.

At each free session, children have been able to get a stamp in their specially issued passports and those that collect six were rewarded with a free lollipop.

And at the same time there has been an opportunity to collect an activity sheet on which they can jot down the flags on show in the centre to enter a prize draw for a family holiday for four at the Haven resort at Talacre Beach in North Wales.

Stretford Mall centre manager Gareth Wilkins said: “The Passport to Summer events have proved a big hit with our shoppers and visitors and it’s been wonderful to see so many children having a good time.

“The final event next week should be excellent as Richard Braithwaite is amazing and a very talented free style footballer. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of youngsters and their parents at Stretford Mall and all having a great time.”

The final free Passport to Summer event will be held next week, on Thursday, August 27 with a visit to North America and Brazil with a football skills session led by Richard Braithwaite.

Richard's mind-blowing ball skills have taken him around the world and seen him appear on television several times as well as gain the title of the most unique football freestyler in the world.

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