9 pictures of families enjoying the new facilities at Backhouse Park in Sunderland

The latest event at Backhouse Park in Ashbrooke saw more than 150 people gather for a Children’s Day at the park, which also coincided with the forthcoming Refugee Week.

Organised by ICOS (International Community Association of Sunderland), it saw families enjoying the new equipment at the play park and more.

St Michael’s ward councillor, Michael Dixon, said: “Myself and ward colleagues were very pleased to support the occasion with some of our own allocated funding, working with The East Area Committee at the council. We particularly liked the idea of a Children's Day as its major theme

“It was, therefore, a great sight to see the park's play area, which has quite recently benefitted from added equipment obtained through teamwork between ICOS, Sunderland Council and the St Michael's Councillors, so full of children of various nationalities, really enjoying themselves.

“There were also many other stalls to keep the children entertained and families well-fed and for a few hours it was a really great example of communities getting together and having a fun time on a sunny Saturday afternoon. My colleague, Cllr Antony Mullen, also came along and we both extend sincere congratulations for all the hard work by the team at ICOS for providing yet another successful event.”