The importance of community spirit was brought home to the East End when a sports club held its annual fun day.

Hundreds of residents gathered at the St George’s Cricket Club for a Good Friday event that was filled with bright sunshine and even brighter smiles.

The event featured bouncy castles, six-a-side football matches and barbecues that turned out hamburgers and other hot treats.

The free-entry fun day has become a focus for families in the East End in recent years.

Mishael Paynter, the club’s president, said: “Today is about family. Today is about fun. Today is about our community.

“It’s a time for kids to be allowed to just be kids and let them grow and develop.

“It’s essential for our community — it’s a hub for our kids to come and play football, play cricket and have a safe place just to be a kid, to let them be themselves.”

Mr Paynter highlighted that the club had a major role to play in the community.

He said: “These were once workmen’s clubs but what you’re watching now is an economy where there aren’t many tradesmen left.

“We don’t have enough tradesmen to come in so we have less resources to put back into the community. But as we individually give more to our clubs, the more that clubs can give back to us.”

That view was backed up by lifelong club member Calvin Richardson.

The 62-year-old said: “The clubs play a big part in bringing up our youngsters. There’s football, there’s cricket, there are sports — it’s very important.

“I’ve been a member of this club for 50 years — I joined as a child and it’s played a very important part in my life growing up. It’s shaped me.

“When I was growing up we had senior members here that would look after us and discipline us if necessary.

“It was a good upbringing because we had the whole community watching out for us.”

Mr Richardson recalled that, in its heyday, the club would draw thousands of spectators to watch a weekend cricket match.

“These bleachers used to be packed,” he said, pointing to stands that were largely empty on Friday afternoon.

“We don’t have that any more — its been replaced by the internet and WhatsApp or whatever,” he added.

Yet Friday’s event attracted crowds.

Mother of two Cynthia Roberts, from St David’s, said: “We come here every year. My boys look forward to it.

“It’s what community is all about and we’re proud of our community.”