On the ball

HUNDREDS of youngsters – including seven-year-old Luca Hayles from London and four-year-old George Chambers from Pool-in-Wharfdale, above – packed Harrogate’s Valley Gardens yesterday for an event capturing the wonder of outdoor play. To mark National Play Day, Harrogate Council organised the event to bring children and parents together for activities including trampolining, tree climbing, model boating, archery and fairground rides. A treasure hunt was also took visitors around the gardens. The Council’s play development officer, Jane Whittaker, who organised the event, said: “The day was a real success. This was the third year that this event has taken place and each year it is getting bigger and better with many local businesses and organisations promoting what is available for parents in our district.’