About 2,000 people descended on one of the region’s best-loved charities for a fun day today, Monday, May 6.

The Daisy Chain charity for autistic children and their families opened the gates to its base at Calf Fallow Farm, Norton, near Stockton for its annual public open day.

Families from across the region took advantage of the sun to enjoy the charity’s new bike track as well as its well-established petting farm, outdoor play area, stalls, face-painting and inflatable castles.

Matt Simpson, chief executive of Daisy Chain, said: “This is an extremely popular event and we love the opportunity to show our local community what we do year round for our families. This event is really as much about saying, ‘thank you’ to the community as fundraising. We get such great support.”

It’s hoped about £1,500 to £2,000 was raised.