A recent den building and camp fire experience on the Penrose Estate in Helston proved such a hit with the families who attended that the children did not want to go home, despite the inclement weather.

The day was staged by the Lizard CHILD Trust with help from National Trust ranger, Laura Bailey, who organised all the activities on site. The day began with the youngsters, accompanied by parents or grandparents, walk from Helston down to Penrose where the fun really began.

The group was split into four teams who then set about collecting the necessary materials to build their very own dens. Once they had been constructed, the children all got back together and enjoyed toasting marshmallows over an open campfire and learned all about fire safety.

Jody Finbow, community projects manager for the Trust, said: "It was great to be outside and not let the weather put everyone off. Part of our ethos as a charity is to make things affordable for parents and this free event, in partnership with the National Trust, got children out being children. They loved it and the just did not want to leave."