SPONGEBOB SquarePants and Upsy Daisy were among the visitors at a children’s fête in Chesham yesterday.

They joined youngsters aged up to five in Lowndes Park to mark National Playday, which celebrates children’s right to play.

A mini assault course from Amersham and Chiltern Rugby Club, interactive storytelling by staff from the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden and inflatable sumo wrestling were among the other activities keeping young visitors busy.

Other highlights included an instrument tent, where the children were able to have a go at playing African-style drums and cymbals, and an exhibition of weird and wonderful animals including a corn snake and a stick insect which the children were able to hold.

Louise Brackley, a childminder, said: “The children are having lots of fun. They especially enjoyed the instruments, which were for all age groups, and the inflatables.”

Police officers were also at the fête, giving out free bags and key rings and allowing the children to try on police hats and uniforms.

The event was jointly organised by Caroline Campion from Chesham Children’s Centre and Mark Green from Early Year Development and Childcare Service.

Mr Green said: “This is the first time we have done something like this here, but it is going to become an annual event.

“It’s been a great day so far – the weather is holding off and there are plenty of kids enjoying themselves.”