Nottingham Post

Free day out for 200 kids

TREAT ORGANISED FOR YOUNGSTERS AFTER NOTTINGHAM BEACH WAS CALLED OFF

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS lynette.pinchess@reachplc.com @Lynettepin­chess

AROUND 200 underprivi­leged children from across Nottingham were treated to a free day out at Fantasy Island to make up for the loss of Nottingham Beach this summer.

The annual event – which transforms Old Market Square into an inland seaside – has been cancelled for a second year due to the pandemic.

Nottingham-based Mellors Group, owners of the Ingoldmell­s theme park, also run Nottingham Beach. They invited local kids, starting with a coach ride filled with sweet treats as well as a free meal and drink at Fantasy Island.

Sarah, one of the children, said: “It has been amazing.

“My favourite part of the day was making new friends and getting to go on all the tall and fast rides at Fantasy Island.”

As well as getting the chance to go on some of the 30 outdoor and indoor rides, the children also caught a glimpse of the seaside – something many of the children had never seen before.

James Mellors Senior, owner of Mellors Group, said: “As our annual Nottingham Beach event was sadly cancelled last month, it was great to bring residents from the area to the seaside.

“As a family-run entertainm­ent company, our biggest motivator is bringing happiness to children’s faces and providing them with amazing memories, but we understand this isn’t easy for families from less fortunate areas, so we wanted to gift them with a special day.

“I was honoured to meet all the visitors before they departed to Fantasy Island, and I personally stocked the coaches up with treats to make the journey even more enjoyable.”

The families were found through the Nottingham-based charity, The Toy Library.

 ?? MELLORS GROUP ?? Children on their day at Fantasy Island
MELLORS GROUP Children on their day at Fantasy Island

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