On Saturday 07 th July Cadets from 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron were on duty in the towns Riversley Park. Their mission, to keep the park looking clean and tidy as the people of Nuneaton turned out in force to enjoy a mass open-air picnic to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Nuneaton Park.

Families made the most of Saturday's warm sunshine as they tucked into sandwiches and pop on the grass and enjoyed an entertainment-packed day in the Park.

The free event echoed the venue's official opening in July 1907 as thousands of people turned out to celebrate when Riversley Park was donated to the people of Nuneaton by philanthropist Edward Melly who went on to become mayor of the town.

The centenary event drew the crowds to enjoy a raft of fun and nostalgic activities, including old fashioned rides, chair-o-planes, a Punch and Judy show face painting, sack races and all sorts of other games.

During the event the Nuneaton Air Cadets were on hand to keep the park looking good for its 100 th birthday as they mounted regular litter patrols. They also had plenty of time to do some recruiting and network with other local community groups.

It wasn’t all work and no play for 121’s staff and cadets, they had plenty of time to join in with all the fun and games. Pilot Officer Norma Easterlow even managed to find the time to demonstrate her skill and agility with the Hula-Hoop, no doubt some of the photographs will make their way into the caption competition at some stage.

Jo Robinson, promotions officer for parks and countryside at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: "It's been absolutely fantastic. I can't believe how many people are here, it's absolutely heaving. We are so thankful for the weather. It's lovely. The sun is out and everyone is having a fantastic day.”