BETTER Start Bradford is encouraging parents to get outdoors and have fun with their children this summer.

It starts with the Big Play Event on August 1 at Parkside Park from 1pm until 5pm.

There will be stacks of free family activities to enjoy on the day.

The event kicks off a month-long campaign promoting the benefits of outdoor play.

Michaela Howell, Director of Better Start Bradford, said: “Being outside is the perfect place to encourage your child to use their whole body and mind to be physically active, use their imagination, explore and be brave.

"Outdoor spaces are great for crawling, jumping, playing, skipping and simply having lots of fun.

"We want to encourage all families to get out and explore and have fun in their greenspaces and we look forward to seeing lots of our families having a lot of fun at The BIG play event.”

Three free street parties, which will include messy play, arts and crafts and outdoor games, will be held.

The first will be on July 26 at Burlington Avenue, Thornbury, then on August 9 at Kyffin Place, Tyersal, and August 20 at Springmill Street Recreation Ground, West Bowling. There will also be two free family fun days. The first will be on July 28 at Myra Shay Park, Barkerend, from 1pm until 4pm and at Horton Park on August 4 from 1pm until 4pm.

Better Start Bradford is part of the National Lottery-funded A Better Start programme.