Stanton Hill businessman John Bowden, The Garden Barber, has been thanked for helping to create thousands of smiles at the Idlewells shopping centre, Sutton, after building and donating a holiday beach pit.

It comprised a large sand pit and an artificial turf area on a raised set for visitors to enjoy.

The area was a huge hit with children and their parents.

Idlewells manager, Chloe O’Donnell said: “We are grateful to John. He came in and measured up, built the beach pit area to order and wouldn’t take a penny for doing it.

“Families loved spending time at our little bit of seaside in Sutton.
“It was lovely to see all the smiling faces every day.

“It will be a shame to lose it, but we have to make way ahead of our exciting Christmas plans.”

The beach pit was part of the Idlewells’ Sun and Games six-week holiday promotion, featuring free donkey rides, hook-a-duck, a giant deckchair, workshops, candyfloss and things associated with the British seaside.