The children from Boscombe in Bournemouth whizzed on the rollercoasters, splashed through the log flumes and swung to high heights on the cyclonator.

Fun on the caterpillar ride

The group of young carers and nurture group pupils also tried out the cars in Al’s Auto Academy. The mini-electric cars are modelled on 1950’s open-top streetcars and the excited children concentrated hard to keep to the rules of the road. Each child felt a great sense of achievement when they had completed their drive.

Children enjoy a flight on the Farmyard Flyer

The day at Paultons Park was organised by Variety Wessex and also included lunch in the Route 83 Diner, a ride on the Rio Grande Train and a visit to Peppa Pig World. The children travelled to the theme park, on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, with Laguna Coaches.

Frances Cornelius, Chair of Variety Wessex, said:

Variety is so thrilled that the children had such an action-packed experience and our thanks to Paultons Park for ensuring they had a wonderful day.  Thank you also to Laguna’s Andy for driving them safely, Judy and Joan for overseeing the day, Hattie for taking the fabulous photos for their memories and to everyone who so generously donated at the Bournemouth and Ferndown pantomimes that paid for this super day out for these children.

Elisabeth Rawson-Jones, Pastoral Lead at Bethany CE Junior School, said:

Just a quick message to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Variety for an amazing day out at Paultons Park on Monday. The children had a wonderful day full of thrills, rollercoasters and water rides with lots of them conquering some fears. It was magical to see so many happy faces.  One little girl said: “this is the best day of my life”. The children loved their lunch – burgers, hot-dogs all with curly fries – heaven for them.  Lyn the lady who looked after us was such a star – nothing was too much trouble. She took over serving the food and helping the children – what a dream she was.