YOUNGSTERS were given a taste of the seaside when donkeys and Punch and Judy shows came to town.

Activities usually to be found in seaside resorts have been taking place in Leigh town centre this week.

Little fairground rides, puppet shows, magic shows, entertainers and even donkey rides have been amusing families in the Town Square, Bradshawgate and Ellesmere Street.

Scores of children have had their faces painted, been told pirate stories and also had the chance to bounce around on trampolines.

And free sweets and balloons have been handed out by the bucket-load.

Town centre manager Laurie Barton, who organised the events, said: "We want to try and promote Leigh town centre through this. We want to make the town centre a nice family, friendly place and to give people more than just shops."

The attractions have been in Leigh since last Friday and will run in the town centre until Bank Holiday Monday.

Laurie said: "I cannot really measure how successful it has been yet but judging by people's reactions on Saturday, they were very pleased.

"It's all free of charge, although I think there is a small fee for the fairground rides."

The events are joint initiative between Wigan Council, Coalfield Challenge and the Chamber of Commerce.

A number of private businesses have also contributed to the week of summer fun.

Laurie said: "We are trying to make the town centre an attractive friendly, safe environment. This is just one element of that."