GLITTERING stilt walkers and colourful face painting were among the added attractions at the Vangarde Shopping Park’s family fun day.

A number of new restaurants including Giraffe, Costa Coffee, Ed’s Easy Diner and Frankie and Benny’s have now opened their doors to customers, while Prezzo and Nando’s will open in the coming weeks.

They join York’s first John Lewis department store, the region’s largest M&S store and a Next store at the shopping park.

Michelle and Mark Pattinson were enjoying the day with their two children Alfie, five, and Poppy, two: “We came to get some food at Giraffe for Mark’s birthday.

“It’s great, especially for half-term.

“This distracts them, it’s the kind of thing that costs nothing and it entertains them – it’s fab!”

Shoppers were also treated to food sampling, competitions and the chance to visit professional stylists throughout the day.

Deb O’Donnell, centre manager, said they were delighted to officially welcome the new restaurants.