A dalek, Postman Pat, skittles, archery and no less than three bouncy castles were part of the fun at a fundraising event for Help for Heroes on Saturday.

Kings Park Road in Boscombe was closed for the event, and residents opened up their gardens to host some of the attractions, which included games for children, a barbecue, a display of classic cars and Harley motorcycles, miniature steam engines, cream teas and bouncy castles for young and old.

The event, which had a VE day theme, was organised by Gill Brewster, who has held the licence for general store Chaos Corner in Ashley Road for more than 30 years, with support from local businesses.

As well as raising money for charity she told the Echo the free event was about “giving something back to the community”.

She added: “That’s what it’s all about. People keep saying the recession is over but a lot of people round here with children haven’t got a lot of money. We thought the best way to do it was to have all the games and things free so they can enjoy themselves. It’s a party for the community.”

Gill’s niece Jeanette Kendall, 32, a serving member of the RAF, is climbing Kilimanjaro for Help for Heroes next year and the money raised will go into her donation pot.