SHOPPERS in landlocked Stretford enjoyed a day at the seaside – complete with deckchairs and a Punch and Judy show – after Stretford Mall staff decided to create a little slice of summer.

Though the good weather may have faded, the mall was able to bring the traditional sights and sounds of the British seaside right into the heart of the community with their Life’s a Beach series of family activities, which ran from Wednesday to Saturday last week. (August 6-9)

There was also a bouncy castle, craft activities and a competition to win a bucket and spade full or sweets, and children were able to feel the sand between their toes while playing in a giant sandpit.

One of the first young visitors to dig being beside the seaside was four-year-old Adrianna Dench, fromDavyhulme, who was with her mum Bernadette, 11-week-old baby brother Andrew and grandma Gill Roberts.

Bernadette said: “We came down to get Adrianna’s school uniform and she could hardly believe it when she saw all the activities going on.

"It’s been brilliant and she has had a lovely time.

“Most things you have to pay for these days, so it was nice to find visiting the seaside here was free.

"It’s been a lovely event and well worth a visit. There’s no way we could have left without Adrianna having a little play and it’s kept her occupied for quite a while.”

Colin McCrory, Stretford Mall Manager, said: “Everyone loves the traditional British seaside scene, which never goes out of fashion, so it was fantastic to be able to bring all the sights and sounds right into the heart of Stretford for our families out shopping to enjoy."

Also there to join in the fun were members of the Sub C Divers branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) who spent time chatting to shoppers about their club in Atherton and encouraging people to think about trying scuba diving with them.

For more information about Sub C Divers go to bsac.com or call Alf on 07768 840 466.