FAMILIES gathered across Ipswich to take part in a celebration of kinship.

FAMILIES gathered across Ipswich to take part in a celebration of kinship.

National Family Week saw hundreds of relatives come together to enjoy each other's company in an atmosphere of festivity and good cheer.

Ormiston Children's Centre, in Felixstowe Road, threw a party for familiar faces and new friends to mark the occasion.

The afternoon started with a picnic and continued with a theme of fun and hands-on entertainment.

Children and parents congregated to make a giant fruit salad, the ingredients for which were provided by Sainsbury's.

Later there was a quick course in first aid for babies and the day was rounded off by a raffle draw, which included prizes donated by Ipswich Town.

Ormiston's Louise Cullen said: “The event was really well attended and we had around 40 families here on the day. Everyone had a fantastic time.

“It gave us a chance to bring people in to see the facilities and how family friendly it is here.”

Elsewhere, Hillside Children's Centre, in Maidenhall Approach, held its own celebrations with a garden party and Indian Buffet.

Just down the road at Chantry Library the party continued with even more family themed fun.