Donkey rides, Punch & Judy and building sandcastles were the order of the day as Stowmarket enjoyed a trip to the seaside.

Ipswich Star: The annual Stowmarket Beach Party featured Punch and Judy, donkey rides and sandcastle building Picture: ANGELA COSTERThe annual Stowmarket Beach Party featured Punch and Judy, donkey rides and sandcastle building Picture: ANGELA COSTER (Image: angela coster)

Families enjoyed a day in the sun at the town’s recreation ground for the annual event organised by Stowmarket Town Council.

Ipswich Star: The annual Stowmarket Beach Party featured Punch and Judy, donkey rides and sandcastle building Picture: ANGELA COSTERThe annual Stowmarket Beach Party featured Punch and Judy, donkey rides and sandcastle building Picture: ANGELA COSTER (Image: angela coster)

The yearly event also hosted the finish point for the Stowmarket Striders Running Club annual Golden Mile.

Ipswich Star: The annual Stowmarket Beach Party featured Punch and Judy, donkey rides and sandcastle building Picture: ANGELA COSTERThe annual Stowmarket Beach Party featured Punch and Judy, donkey rides and sandcastle building Picture: ANGELA COSTER (Image: angela coster)

This saw around 300 runners of all ages take part in a race across the town.

Now in its fifth year, the Golden Mile was set up following the huge success of the inaugural race in 2014 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first four-minute mile set by the legendary Roger Bannister.

David Marsh, of Stowmarket Town Council, hailed the event as a success and thanked sponsors Buildbase of Stowmarket.

He said: “It was a great day, the weather was fantastic – probably the best we’ve ever had – and everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves.

“A trip to the seaside is now a big day in the calendar for Stowmarket.”