YOUNG shoppers were transported to the plains of Africa in a colourful finale to summer holiday activities raising money for a Wrexham centre which supports disabled children and their families.

Youngsters visiting Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham made the most of an animal mask-making workshop with a choice of fantastic creatures such as elephants, big cats and butterflies.

They were entertained by professional carnival performers, dressed as lions, zebras and antelopes, from London-based carnival creatives company Mahogany which created characters for the 2012 London Olympics ceremonies, as well as major celebrations in Singapore, Dubai and other global destinations.

It was the culmination of a four-week programme of family activities hosted by Eagles Meadow to mark the school summer holidays.

The free events, entitled Passport to Africa, coincided with the release of the Disney remake of The Lion King, currently on screens at the Eagles Meadow Odeon cinema.

The sessions included arts and crafts, dance and drumming workshops, a tropical bugs exhibition, and the imaginative mask-making activity.

Children who took part were each given a mock-up ‘passport’, full of puzzles, competitions and discount vouchers for Eagles Meadow shops.

To mark the project finale, children were also encouraged to wear the masks they made and take part in a parade with the animal performers through the shopping centre.

Throughout the Passport to Africa sessions Eagles Meadow has been supporting its nominated charity, Dynamic, a Wrexham-based centre for children and young people with disabilities.

Dynamic provides out of school activities and training for children and young people with disabilities, aged between eight and 19.

It is partially funded by Wrexham Council but still needs to raise around £100,000 a year to stay open. It helps youngsters with a range of different disabilities including physical, intellectual or sensory impairments, emotional and behavioural issues or chronic illness.