Children have been going wild this summer in an area of Staffordshire thanks to a series of events encouraging them to roll up their sleeves and get active.

Youngsters have been using their imaginations to make dens and take part in events such as pond dipping at Lichfield’s Beacon Park.

Each session was packed with children keen to take part in the traditional events rather than stay indoors over the school break.

The events were part of what was dubbed Wild Play Week which centred around getting children out and about and returning to the basics of play.

More than 20 children took part in the activities which were influenced by nature and the environment. Experienced staff led the sessions and other events are being planned for the rest of the summer.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, based at Wolseley Bridges, and Lichfield District Council teamed up to host the Wild Play Week events in Lichfield.

They will move to Chasewater Country Park off the A5 in Brownhills next week.

It aims to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved across the area.

Mary Cooke, play development manager for the council, said the event at Beacon Park proved it had the formula to be a hit and said all of the youngsters going along seemed to have a good time.

She said the unpredictable weather had not managed to ruin things and said organisers were hoping to see a similar turnout for Chasewater’s event. The week has been fantastic at Beacon Park.

“The wet weather has not dampened spirits and everyone has been getting stuck in to the different activities,” she said.

She added: “Everyone has really enjoyed themselves and even the rangers have joined in.

“Activities included doing everything from pond dipping to bug hunting and den making.”