Scores of parents went back to school with their children to take part in a range of activities as part of a bid to get families to spend quality time together.

Visitors to Sprowston Community High School on Saturday were able to challenge other members of their family to a gladiator duel, have a go on the mega-slide or try their hand at a variety of other fun-filled events.

The fun day was one of thousands of events taking place across the country as part of National Family Week, an annual celebration of families and family life in the UK.

Family Week aims to encourage families to spend more time together and works to provide opportunities, events, ideas and money saving offers to achieve this.

Andrew John, head teacher of Sprowston Community High School, said: 'We're delighted to host the family fun day and to welcome all families in Norwich to spend some much needed time together, perhaps make some new friendships and have some fun at the same time!'

And there was certainly plenty of fun being had in the sun by all on Saturday with the playing fields of the Cannerby Lane school being over-run youngsters and families enjoying the stalls, games and activities on offer.

Patty Pye, 55, from Cozens Hardy Road, off Wroxham Road, Sprowston, came to the event with her daughter Jo, 28, and 13-month-old grandson Finley.

She said: 'I think it's really lovely. It's not often you get a chance to do that. It's brilliant and the kids can do lots of different things.'

Nigel Harcourt, 46, from Cromwell Road, off Russell Avenue, Sprowston, attended the event with his children Samuel, 12, Emily, 12, and Katie, nine.

He said: 'It was great, the children really enjoyed themselves - being on the Scouts roller ball, they had a good time.

'I think we've been in the past and will come in the future.'

The event was also enjoyed by Raj Malagithi, 38, from Sprowston, who was with his five-year-old daughter Naina. He said: 'She enjoyed it. It was good. It's nice for families to be able to get together. I met a couple of friends. It was quite nice.'

Families had a chance to explore nature at the event with a hunt for mini-beasts with Natural England, or get creative and enter the magical world of BeWILDerwood.

There were also music and movement sessions led by PRESMA and Jo Jingles and the 45th Norwich Scout Group put on events such as zorbing (rolling around in a giant orb), indoor caving, people racing, land ski racing and tug-of-war.

Activities for younger visitors to the event included bouncy castle, Tea-cups and swing boats as well as free play events with Broadland District Council (Tots 2 Teens) and a Mini Monkey Gym Soft Play Area for the under 5s.

There was also a moment of reflection at 12.30pm to remember former Scout and Sprowston Community High School student Charlie Smith who died last year at the age of just 13. It was followed by the opening of a new memorial garden.

Nick Henry, founder of National Family Week added: 'We were very impressed on hearing about all the exciting activities Sprowston Community High School put on. This truly will be a day that the whole family will enjoy together and remember for a long time.'

For more information on National Family Week visit www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk.

Have you got a family-related story for the Evening News? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant,co.uk