Bouncy kids were jumping around with enthusiasm when their huge inflatable play centre arrived.

Around 500 youngsters leapt onto the gigantic adventure centre, which measures 200 feet across, and got stuck into a range of activities including assault courses and slides.

The Carnival Inflatable Fun Days, held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Southend's Priory Park, featured two sessions on each day for children to enjoy.

A spokesman for the Southend Carnival Association, Chris Charles, said: "We got the inflatable centre brought in from a specialist company, and many of the kids have never had a chance to try anything like this before.

"They had a brilliant time, and got to use the centre at a fraction of the price they would anywhere else."

Children would normally have to pay £1.50 for just tenminutes - but youngsters were able to enjoy up to two-and-a-half hours of fun for £3, said Mr Charles.

He added: "Next year we'll be celebrating 75 years since the Southend Carnival Association was formed, so we're planning something really special for the children. However, we can't reveal what it is until nearer the time."

More than £1,500 was raised for the carnival funds by children buying wrist bands to use the inflatable play centre, said Mr Charles.

Inside the castle - loads of fun as youngsters throw themselves about

Pictures: STEPHEN LLOYD

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.