Children attending a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) session at Stoneleigh Park in Derker met police officers and sat in patrol vehicles during a visit by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin.
The weekly Wednesday sessions, organised by Oldham Council and the Friends of Stoneleigh Park community group, run during school holidays and offer local children activities, sports, face painting and meals in a supervised environment.
Police vehicles prove popular attraction
During the visit, police officers welcomed children to explore a police car and police van. The police car was particularly popular, with children taking turns in the driver's seat to sound the siren and activate the flashing blue lights.
Officers said the hands-on experience helped build positive interactions between young people and police in a relaxed setting.
High Sheriff meets families
Mark Llewellin toured the park and met children and families taking part in activities including sports, face painting, a bouncy castle and helter skelter. Children asked him questions about his role as High Sheriff, appointed by His Majesty the King to help maintain justice and preserve peace in Greater Manchester.
Mark Llewellin said: "It was wonderful to see so many children enjoying themselves, making friends and taking part in activities that keep them active, happy and engaged during the school holidays. The opportunity for young people to meet police officers in this environment is invaluable in building trust and understanding."
Carrie-Ann Varey, Holiday Activities and Food Manager for Oldham Council, said: "The HAF programme is about much more than keeping children occupied during the school holidays. It's about creating opportunities for children to be active, enjoy healthy food, build confidence and make new friends."
The Holiday Activities and Food Programme is a government-funded initiative providing enriching activities and nutritious meals outside of term time.