AN evening filled with sport, laughter and family fun was held in aid of the Mayor’s charity appeal.

The family multi-activity evening was open for all families in the local area looking to improve their general health.

The wide variety of activities on offer at Basingstoke Sports Centre included a football session for the children, a free gym session and taster sessions of squash, badminton, table tennis and tennis.

There were also fun sessions in the pool with rafts and water walkers for adults and children and a bouncy castle and multi-tier soft play area especially for the youngsters.

Borough Mayor Councillor Dan Putty was also invited to officially open a new piece of equipment at the sports centre.

He said he was delighted to cut the ribbon to reveal a new mechanised changing couch and hoist which has been fitted for customers with special needs in the pool-accessible changing room.

The special equipment was funded through the Hamp-shire County Council scheme Short Breaks, which is a programme aimed at improving services for children with disabilities.

Cllr Putty said: “It was a wonderful evening with wonderful people. The staff were all fantastic and incredibly helpful.

“The new piece of equipment will make a huge difference for people who have additional needs, and this is something I feel very passionately about. It is really something to celebrate.”