FAMILY-friendly fun was on the agenda at the Eastgate Centre in Basildon, thanks to a little help from some famous faces.

Youngsters visiting the shopping centre with their parents got up close to TV character favourites including Bob the Builder, Fifi and the Flowertots and Roary the Racing Car.

The cuddly characters posed for photos with happy tots, while the creator of all three household names – Basildon born artist and TV producer Keith Chapman – dropped in to sign some autographs.

Their appearances were part of a weekend of events organised by West Basildon Children’s Centre as part of National Sure Start Children’s Centres Week.

Families with children under five and expectant parents got to enjoy a host of activities as well as getting a photo of their kids.

The West Basildon Children’s Centre, in Leinster Road, Laindon, is one of 3,000 government run Sure Start Centres across the UK.

They are a place for parents to take children, to play and to learn, as well as a location to get tips and advice about childcare, health and employment.

Sue Moore, West Basildon Children’s Centres Manager said the Eastgate weekend was a teriffic success: “The aim of the two days was to make the work we do visible and accessible to the whole community.”

Mike Horton, Manager at Eastgate added: “We recognise the importance of supporting families in our community.

“Sure Start Children’s Centres provide a fantastic service.”