SUNSHINE and smiles provided the perfect backdrop to the start of Charlie Mannings' spring season.Children flocked to the traditional free fun day at the fair on Felixstowe seafront, which has been giving free rides to kids every Maundy Thursday since 1946.

SUNSHINE and smiles provided the perfect backdrop to the start of Charlie Mannings' spring season.

Children flocked to the traditional free fun day at the fair on Felixstowe seafront, which has been giving free rides to kids every Maundy Thursday since 1946.

Owner Charlie Mannings said: "We never advertise this event as the kids are well aware of the tradition.

"We like to start the season off with a bang and what better way to do it than get the young children here and give them a taste of what's on offer.

"Thankfully it's a lovely day which should mean we'll see a steady stream of kids."

Esther Ruffles, of Roseberry Road, Felixstowe, was at the park with her four children, Ellen, 11, Charlotte, nine, William, seven, and Oliver, two.

She said: "We have been coming here for the past three years.

"The kids always remember it opens just before Easter and I always bring them as it's a nice start to the Easter holidays for them."

The amusement park has had to scale down its operation in recent years because of the large theme parks, foreign holiday's and travelling fun fairs.

"We can't compete with the likes of Alton Towers who offer multi-million pound rides.

"Our target market is families with young kids who can enjoy the gentle rides while on a nice day out at the seaside," said Mr Mannings.

The park has seven rides in total, including one themed on children's hero Harry Potter.

Also on site is a play area, which includes a bouncy castle, swing boats, an astra slide, climbing frame and a crazy house containing novelty mirrors and a moving staircase.