TRAFFORD Centre celebrated turning 20 on Monday by picking up the party and taking it to a children's hospital.

On Monday, September 10, the shopping centre brought its birthday fun to children at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Nearly 80 children were treated to the birthday party in a hospital wing decorated by Selfridges specially for the occasion.

The children feasted on party food from Marks & Spencers and Debenhams, and were treated to tasty popcorn by Dappledown and delicious watermelon lollies from Tampopo restaurant.

The party was brought to life by singing princesses from Pop Up Entertainment and as intu Trafford Centre leisure attractions Merlin and Hamleys.

A haul of presents from Trafford Centre stores including Build a Bear, John Lewis and Selfridges were donated to the children, as well as party bags from NAMCO Funscape.

Sarah Naismith, head of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity, said: “We’re delighted that intu Trafford Centre decided to bring this special party to the Children’s Hospital.

"It was a real treat for our patients.

"Trafford Centre has been a big supporter of our hospital over the years, so we were honoured to be a part of their birthday celebrations.”

Trafford Centre has donated nearly £130,000 to the hospital over the past few years, including £86,000 towards haemodialysis machines on the children’s wards

Alison Niven, regional director of Trafford Centre, said: “This year is such a very special year for us here in the centre and we wanted to give giving something back to the local community.

"We were so happy we could bring the party to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and it was lovely to see so many smiling faces at the party and we could see no better way to round off an amazing summer of celebrations than with this amazing party.”