Hundreds of families flocked to a fun day in North Oxford.

Cutteslowe Park was the scene of colourful family fun as Oxfordshire County Council promoted its early learning and childcare facilities.

About 3,500 people soaked up the sun and were entertained by Elmer the Elephant and storyteller Rand Russell.

Children had their faces painted and toasted food on an open fire supervised by the Oxfordshire Forest Schools Project.

Barnaby Merriman, aged three, enjoyed the forest school.

His mother, Ros Merriman, 30, said: "It's great, there's so much to do. It's well organised and there's space for the kids to run around."

The Forest Schools Project is a county-funded organisation operating in more than 40 local schools.

The project's team leaders, Sarah Lawfull and Richard Mulvany, use ropes, tarpaulins, pen knives and bow saws to show three and four-year-old children how to make rope swings and bridges in woodland areas.

Project co-ordinator Julia Sargent said: "The emphasis is on outdoor learning, decision-making and risk-taking,"

While hundreds of children queued for the bouncy castle and fairground rides, others jumped aboard the Oxford Playbus which had an arts and crafts zone, as well as keyboard and percussion instruments.

The Playbus charity, based in Upper Heyford, operates mainly in rural areas to provide under fives with varied and stimulating fun.

Meanwhile, two-year-old Reece Holloway and Christian Ellis and Ben Webb, both four, of Witney, got the chance to brush up on their soccer skills.

They were helped by Jonno Woodward, 17, and Dan Leach, 18, members of Oxford United's Football in the Community initiative, managed by former United player, Peter Rhoades-Brown.

Another popular feature of the day was Camp Energy's mini gym.

Co-ordinator Becky Madden Waite helped youngsters around the course designed to develop children's motor skills, hand/eye co-ordination and body awareness.

Both the North Oxford police team and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attracted lots of attention, with children vying for a seat next to policeman Sean Packham and a chance to sound the siren.

Two-year-old would-be firefighter Jacob Hollington, of Didcot, was delighted with his yellow hard hat.

Profits from sales of the hats will go to the firefighters' charity.

"It's not often you get a fun day for nothing", said organiser Caroline Brown.