THE first ever family activity day organised at the community owned Brent Island has been a fantastic success according to organisers.

More than 150 people headed to the idyllic area in the river Avon in South Brent on Saturday, 60 of them children, to enjoy the sunshine and have fun.

On offer were a great range of activities giving families plenty to do at the event, which was put on by the Brent Island Trust.

The Westcountry Rivers Trust was on hand, dipping in the river and giving people a chance to see what lives below the surface, as well as South Brent Community Energy Trust showing a range of ways to generate electricity. Dartmoor National park had a stand, and Steve Hopper of South Hams Hawks and Owls brought along some spectacular birds of prey, including an eagle owl, for people to have photos with.

Youngsters could also have a go at drawing animals, and explore the island with a popular orienteering activity.

Brent Island Trust chairman Guy Pannell said organisers were delighted with how the day had gone, and hoped everyone had enjoyed themselves. He was particularly gratified by positive comments from those in attendance who were discovering the island for the first time.

Free soft drinks and water were given out to children that came along, but the trust still managed to generate a small profit from the event - although that was not its aim - to be ploughed back into maintaining the area.

The trust manages the three-acre area of meadow and woodland, surrounded by the river Avon, after it was bought through a public appeal in 1994.