Alton Thank You Day organiser Raj Jeyasingam was taken aback by the response to his free event in Anstey Park on Sunday.

He said: “We had about 8,000 people throughout the day. When most of the people asked, on their way out, ‘are you going to have this again next year?’, it said it all.

“According to two different Scouts groups, they sold over 2,000 burgers and hot dogs. The ice cream vans sold over £3,000 worth of ice cream.

“The rugby and football club bars never had a day like this. The magician was so popular among the children that he had to do three shows.

“I couldn’t have done this without the help of the team. We haven’t finished yet. I’m working on something for Christmas. Watch this space.”