Ashby Sport Fun Day organisers say the event can act as a catalyst for improved recreation facilities in the town.

The free family event on the Bath Grounds attracted an estimated 3,000 people on Sunday.

Sports clubs in the area allow visitors to 'have a go' and maybe even take up membership.

It is the fourth year in a row that the event has been held in Ashby.

Organisers Kenny Horn, and his wife Helen, say it is now a fixture of the Ashby events calendar - and that it underlines the potential for additional sports venues in the area.

Kenny, a town and district councillor, told Ashby Nub News: "I want to thank the local community, this was an illustration of how important sport and recreation is.

"This is why I'm campaigning for improved sports and recreation facilities in the town.

"Clearly it's an important topic for a lot of people.

"They now regard Ashby Sport Fun Day as part of the town's community calendar.

"That's a great thing - plus kids get involved with it as well.

"This year we were able to add to it with a couple of 'showstoppers' - the climbing wall and the inflatables - and that was great.

"I think people were queuing for hours for the climbing wall."

A number of clubs reported increased interest in their sport on the day.

Kenny added: "You sometimes worry that the clubs at the far end of the Bath Grounds aren't getting the attention they deserve.

"But the drone club said they had even more interest this year compared to last. People wanted to get involved in the club.

"All the clubs reported a lot of interest - you name it, people were asking about it.

"They're turning up in large numbers every year to support this Ashby event."

Kenny says the event has grown since its first year in 2021.

He added: "This is doing exactly what it was intended to do.

"We set out to try and increase participation and engagement in sport.

"Thankfully, that seems to be what it's delivering."

Kenny hopes it can support the push to add to the town's sports facilities.

North West Leicestershire District Council leader, Cllr Richard Blunt, said earlier this year that he recognised Ashby has a growing population - and that the sports and leisure provision must keep pace with that growth.

Kenny added: "There is a conversation with the district council about improved facilities in the town. That conversation is progressing and heading in the right direction."