Thousands of people enjoyed fun fair rides, demonstrations from daredevil motorcyclists and glorious sunshine at Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council's families day.

Families flocked to Meadow Park in Borehamwood yesterday for what many said was the best Families Day ever.

The star attraction was Olympic motorcyclist Dougie Lampkin, who leapt over jumps, rails and ramps on his bike and signed autographs. 

Children had the chance to ride in police cars or pretend to drive fire engines in vehicles sent by Hertsmere Constabulary and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Jackie Kilgallon said how much her son and nephew, both aged four, had enjoyed the day.

“They were so excited to see the firemen. There’s a lot on and it’s lovely to see everyone.”

People queued to take part in laser clay pigeon shooting and practise being Robin Hood at archery lessons.

Steven Davies of RS Archery, which runs classes in Welwyn Garden City, said the day had been “non-stop.”

He added: “It’s been wonderful, we’ve had so much interest we’ve been gathering names so we can set up an archery club in Borehamwood.”

Resident Darren Wakeling, who had been queuing for the archery, said the event had been the “best to date”.

He added: “I’ve been coming here for years now and there’s a lot more here than last year. It’s a lot more fun and more people are involved. It’s been a fantastic day out.”

Children from jiu jitsu club Ishin-Ryu showed off their grappling and throwing skills, before practicing riding unicycles and juggling with clowns from Table Top circus. 

Amy Sullivan, 10, said how "amazing" it had been to demonstrate with her club.

She added: "Doing the demonstration was really fun. We'd been practising hard for it and I wasn't scared at all. 

"I've really enjoyed the circus skills, the football and bouncy castle, I'm looking forward to next year."

Community organisations including sea cadets, scouts and guides, Elstree Theatre Company and the Borehamwood Museum also had stalls.

David Armitage said the day - the museum's first at the festival - had been "brilliant".

He said: “We’ve had a lot of interest, it’s been lovely having people coming to us to talk about their memories of Borehamwood. I was only going to stay a few hours but I’ve been here all day.”

Children enjoyed free fun fair rides as Borehamwood and Elstree Town Council had sponsored the entertainment.

Mayor of Borehamwood and Elstree Clive Butchins said: “The event was brilliant, it went really well. There were more stalls than ever. It's hard to say how many people were here, but I guess at least few thousand have come during the day.

"It’s been a big community event. There were far fewer stalls from outside, meaning the money people spent has gone straight back into the town.”