It was big smiles all round as children enjoyed a church group fun day at the weekend.

Unitarians at Unity Church in Upper Street, Islington, threw open its doors to the public on Saturday to treat the community to a range of activities including karaoke, T-shirt tie dying, face painting and a host of crafts.

Not only did the day held by the New Unity group unite the community, but it also raised money for two important causes – the UK’s oldest child mentoring charity Friendship Works and the organisation’s own children’s programme Bright Lights. Nearly �640 was collected on the day.

Minister Andy Pakula said last week’s riots had demonstrated the importance of charities such as Friendship Works which helps ensure children have “hope and opportunities.”