A SPORTS centre opened its doors for a day of fun and games.

About 300 children and adults turned up to the open day at Manningtree Sports Centre on Saturday.

For the younger children there was a bouncy castle and soft play for the under 5s, while adults and youngsters took part in a series of gym challenges alongside wall climbing, dodgeball, badminton, basketball, volleyball, short tennis and table tennis.

Staff from Tendring Council, which runs the centre, donated prizes for the tombola and all money raised went to the Essex Air Ambulance.

Cllr Mick Skeels, the council’s leisure portfolio holder, hailed the day as a great success. He said: “I’m really pleased that so many people were able to come along to Manningtree Sports Centre to try things they wouldn’t normally do,” he said.

“Physical activities are great for mind, body and spirit for all ages and I’m glad everyone had a good time.”