The Parkfield annual Christmas party, now in its eighth year, opened its doors on Saturday 15 December to over 80 children and young people.

The party, which is laid on every year, is not only for children and young people who use the youth centre but also for those who are young carers.

Organised by Torbay Young carers Services in conjunction with the Youth Service, this year the Lions Club of St. Marychurch and Babbacombe very kindly donated all the food. They also came along and cooked the Christmas lunch for the children and young people.

Everyone that attended were given a special day which included a roller skate disco and wall climbing. Arts and crafts were laid on by the Imagine Multicultural Group and Torquay United put on a penalty shoot-out competition. Every child and young person also went home with a gift of a woolly hat and chocolate, again provided by the Lions Club and Brixham Soroptimists.

Councillor Cindy Stocks, Executive Lead for Children and Housing said: “This annual Christmas party is such an important event in the calendar at Parkfield. The generosity of local businesses and voluntary groups is amazing and the enthusiasm of young leaders, and the energy of staff really do give our local children a memorable start to their Christmas holiday.

“Not every child in Torbay will eat a traditional cooked Christmas dinner, and not every child will be able to play and enjoy the festivities. This party is an opportunity to invite those and other children to just come and enjoy themselves for the day.”