Four events held in July and August, aimed at bringing communities together, attracted hundreds of visitors.

The ‘Community Together’ events were organised by Tamworth Borough Council’s Community Development team and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, with support from a number of partner groups.

The fun days were held in Stonydelph, Glascote Heath, Amington and Belgrave, where the crowds were attracted by activities including a football tournament, a petting zoo, food tasting, inflatables, sumo suit wrestling and arts and crafts activities. Visitors also got the chance to climb inside police cars and fire engines, take part in live singing and dance activities or even handle snakes, cockroaches, rats and ferrets from Dudley Zoo.

As well as the fun element, the community days were aimed at providing vital information, with a number of stands including Citizens Advice, Credit Union, Volunteer Centre Tamworth, Tamworth Community Safety Partnership, Sure Start, Home Start, the youth service, council housing, West Midlands Planning Aid, St John Ambulance and Community Development.

There was also a chance to get free health advice from the lifestyle services and smoking cessation groups.

Tamworth Borough Council’s Community Development Manager Peter Smith said: “These events were planned as an opportunity to bring the community together in a social setting and to share information on the services which are available.

“All of the events were well attended, despite some poor weather on two of the Saturdays. These events have shown that the people living in these neighbourhoods want to help build a sense of community and that partners should be adding to the services on offer so that local people can access advice and support as well as having some fun together.”