FAMILIES tried out belly dancing, exercise classes and a roller disco as part of a free fun day.

The event at The Place, in Northlands Pavement, Pitsea, was designed to show the community what the centre has on offer with a series of free taster sessions. There were spin classes, zumba, crafts and much more.

Carmel Hanley, general manager at The Place, hailed the day a success.

She said: “Everyone seemed to have fun, it was really good.

“We had a roller disco running from 10am, with hourly sessions.

“We also had taster sessions for different classes. There was belly dancing, face painting, crafts and music promoting our Back to the 80s night on Saturday, May 27.

“It just got busier and busier throughout the day – we had a really good turnout.

“We had to move a lot of activities inside because the weather didn’t look too good in the morning, but we were lucky in the end and even had a Zumba class outside.

“It was just a really fun day for everyone to enjoy while finding out what the community has to offer.”

There was also live entertainment throughout the day.

The Place, which also has gym, could be rebuilt as part of the next phase of the regeneration.

To find out more about what is on offer for the community, visit basildon.gov.uk/theplace